Ravens enter intensive NFL protocol following positive COVID-19 test

The Baltimore Ravens haven’t been adversely affected by the coronavirus pandemic outside of placing veteran defensive tackle Brandon Williams on the Reserve/COVID-19 list for a short time after he came in close contact with someone that contracted the virus but didn’t test positive himself.

If losing to their arch division rival Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday wasn’t bad enough, on Monday morning, the team found out that they had a member of the organization test positive for the first time this season.

Official team statement:

We were informed early this morning that a Ravens player has tested positive for COVID-19. He immediately began to self-quarantine, and our organization is now in the NFL’s intensive protocol.

In coordination with the league, we have started the process of contact tracing and are following the guidelines of intensive protocol.

The health and safety of our players, staff and community continue to be our highest priority. We will continue to work closely with the NFL and our team doctors and will follow their guidance.

While the team didn’t disclose who the player was, starting cornerback Marlon Humphrey tweeted out that he contracted the virus.

If true, he’ll be placed on the Reserve/COVID-19 list until at least five days have passed since the initial positive test and the player receives two consecutive negative PCR virus tests at least 24 hours apart within that five-day period per the protocol.

It will be a huge blow for the Ravens’ defense if he can’t travel with the team to Indianapolis to take on the Colts in Week Nine and will leave them razor-thin at an already depleted depth chart at the corner.

Humphrey was a First-Team All-Pro selection in 2019, has been the best player arguably on the entire team through the first half of the season, and is among the top candidates to win NFL Defensive Player of the Year.