Ravens announce ‘multiple’ positive coronavirus tests

Ravens running backs J.K. Dobbins and Mark Ingram have tested positive for the coronavirus and will be placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list, coach John Harbaugh confirmed Monday.

Baltimore had announced earlier in the day that multiple members of the team had tested positive for the coronavirus, prompting the Ravens to close their practice facility in Owings Mills and conduct all team activities virtually.

But Harbaugh said the facility is now open once more and players were in meetings Monday afternoon, with a walk-through also planned.

The team was informed of the positive cases Sunday night, following the Ravens’ 30-24 overtime loss to the Titans. The individuals who tested positive “immediately began to self-quarantine,” a statement from the Ravens said, and contact tracing efforts identified nose tackle Brandon Williams as a “high-risk” close contact.

“I think our players did a great job on the sideline with the masks, great job in the locker room; they tried to follow the protocols throughout the game,” Harbaugh said. “And then throughout the weekend at the hotel, and during the week, our guys have done a good job of that. So I’m appreciative of them for that. And that’s probably the thing that gives us a chance to play this game on Thursday night.”

Harbaugh said the Thanksgiving night game is scheduled to proceed as scheduled. Ingram, Dobbins and Williams will miss that game, though. According to the NFL’s coronavirus protocol, any players deemed “high-risk” close contacts of infected persons need to quarantine for five days.

Thursday’s game comes with significant playoff implications in a tight AFC North division. The 6-4 Ravens trail the 7-3 Browns by one game, and the 10-0 Steelers are the lone undefeated team left in the league. Baltimore will need to play without two of its running backs, however, leaving Gus Edwards as the main contributor.

Edwards has rushed for 376 yards — the third-highest mark on the team — and is tied for the most running scores, with three touchdowns so far in 2020. Justice Hill should also be in line for carries Thursday. He’s yet to receive a handoff this season, but the second-year pro rushed for 225 yards last year and has one reception to his name this year.

“The run game is always a group effort,” Harbaugh said. “All 11 guys are involved in that, certainly. And I’m sure we’ll run the ball on Thursday night.”