With the NFL heightening coronavirus protocols on the heels of the Thanksgiving holiday, the Ravens placed cornerback Kevon Seymour on the reserve-COVID-19 list on Monday.
The veteran defensive back was promoted to the 53-man roster from the practice squad over the weekend and played 17 snaps on special teams in the 16-10 win over Cleveland. The first Baltimore player to test positive for the virus since outside linebacker Jaylon Ferguson in late September, Seymour was one of nine players around the league to be placed on the COVID-19 list due to positive results on Monday. The league required all players and team personnel to be tested on Monday ahead of the usual Wednesday tests.
That list of positive tests included Pittsburgh outside linebacker T.J. Watt, whose status is now up in the air as the Ravens travel to Heinz Field for Week 13. The three-time Pro Bowl pass rusher not being able to play would be a crushing blow for the reeling Steelers, who were clobbered at Cincinnati on Sunday afternoon.
Dallas head coach Mike McCarthy also tested positive for the virus on Monday, which prompted a question to head coach John Harbaugh about whether that scenario still crosses his mind.
“I know I don’t want to test positive; I can tell you that. Does anybody? I’m praying about it,” Harbaugh said. “I have my toes crossed, my fingers crossed too probably. But no, I’m pretty confident that I’m not going to get it. Aren’t we all? But yes, that’s part of it right now.”
Harbaugh also confirmed that inside linebacker Patrick Queen’s rib injury wasn’t serious, which wasn’t surprising since the second-year defender was able to return and finish Sunday’s game. Since moving to the weak-side inside linebacker spot in October, Queen has performed at a much higher level, registering at least one tackle for a loss in five straight games.
The 6-foot, 232-pound linebacker tied for the team lead with eight tackles, recovered a fumble, and recorded two tackles for a loss against the Browns on Sunday night. Queen exited the game late in the third quarter, but he was able to return for the next defensive drive.
“It’s not something that should linger,” said Harbaugh, who didn’t disclose any other injuries sustained Sunday’s win. “As far as I know, there’s nothing serious at this point. But the way this season has gone — and things have popped up late — I’m not saying anything definitive yet that way. But we look OK.”
Concussed Campbell
One of the biggest surprises of Sunday’s win was the Ravens’ ability to shut down Cleveland’s top-ranked ground game despite the absence of six-time Pro Bowl defensive end Calais Campbell.
The return of veteran nose tackle Brandon Williams after a three-game absence certainly helped after Campbell wasn’t able to pass the protocol after sustaining a concussion in the Week 11 win at Chicago. Second-year defensive lineman Justin Madubuike shifted to Campbell’s usual 5-technique spot in the base defense against the Browns.
“His symptoms popped up on Monday. They were considered mild on Monday, but they just never cleared,” said Harbaugh about Campbell. “It happened in the game at some point in time, [but] I’m not sure when. Calais maybe could let you know that. He might not even remember because he didn’t feel anything until Monday when his symptoms came up, when it was reported.”
Boyle limited
After playing 32 offensive snaps in his first NFL game in more than a year in Week 11, veteran tight end Nick Boyle played only 10 offensive snaps against the Browns.
Boyle acknowledged last week that his surgically-repaired left knee isn’t yet back to pre-injury form, and the Ravens have continued to activate fellow blocking tight end Eric Tomlinson, who played 27 offensive snaps against Cleveland after seeing just 12 the previous week. Harbaugh said the game flow may have been another factor explaining the diminished workload for Boyle.
“He’s still coming back. He’s still trying to get the knee stronger, and then [it was] probably part of the way the game played out too,” Harbaugh said. “Hopefully, it will keep getting stronger, and he’ll be able to take more and more snaps as we go.”
Quarterback shuffle
With former Ravens quarterback Trace McSorley joining the Arizona Cardinals last week, the Ravens have signed the man he replaced.
On Monday, Baltimore signed veteran quarterback Chris Streveler to its practice squad and released quarterback Kenji Bahar. Harbaugh hinted last week that Bahar’s re-signing was only a short-term solution, citing the Calvert Hall product’s knowledge of the playbook after spending much of this past spring and summer with the Ravens.
Streveler has appeared in seven NFL games in relief, throwing a touchdown and an interception in 25 pass attempts over the last two seasons with the Cardinals.
