Cyrus Langhorne
The coronavirus pandemic is far from over. NFL superstar and the leader of the Baltimore Ravens Lamar Jackson has reportedly tested positive for COVID-19.
Lamar Jackson Has COVID-19
According to reports, Jackson is one of multiple people within the Ravens organization dealing with COVID. Initial plans had Lamar and his team battling the undefeated Pittsburgh Steelers Thursday night.
A person with knowledge of the situation confirmed Jackson’s positive COVID-19 test to USA TODAY Sports’ Mike Jones. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the issue. NFL Network was the first to report the positive test. The Ravens reported additional positive tests earlier Thursday, the day their game against the undefeated Pittsburgh Steelers was originally scheduled to be played. The contest has been postponed to Sunday at 1:15 p.m. ET on NBC. All signs point to backup Robert Griffin III starting behind center with Jackson out. (USA Today)
RGIII Confirms COVID-19 Battle
Baltimore Ravens backup quarterback Robert Griffin III has confirmed the speculation. RGIII went to his social media pages to address the widespread reports and referenced Jackson’s Twitter page.
“Praying for my brother @Lj_era8 and every player, staff member and their families dealing with COVID-19. Ensuring the safety of the entire organization is important. Handling this outbreak within the team is bigger than football”
The COVID-19 Pandemic Is Getting Crazy
Despite safety protocols in place, the Ravens have double digits in players dealing with COVID-19. Jackson’s infection is just the latest of potentially 4 more colleagues.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter and The Athletic’s Jeff Zrebiec, the Ravens had four more players and another coach test positive for COVID-19. That would seemingly include quarterback Lamar Jackson, who was reported to have tested positive Thursday. If four more players did indeed test positive and Jackson is among them, that would mean a minimum of 14 players will be on the Reserve/COVID-19 list. Those that test positive are held out for a minimum of 10 days, per the NFL’s protocols. Those that are labeled as a “close contact” are held out for a minimum of five days, barring any positive tests or symptoms appearing. (Ravens Wire)
The Vaccines Are Coming
While the globe continues to suffer and deal with more COVID-19 infections, there is hope on the way. States across the country including California are gearing up for a vaccination rollout in the coming weeks.
California is in the throes of another COVID-19 surge — cases are skyrocketing and hospital beds are filling up quickly. On Tuesday, hospitals had 3,300 more COVID patients than at the beginning of this month, state health officials said. But a glimmer of hope has emerged in the last leg of 2020: The first batch of vaccines could arrive in early December. On Friday, the pharmaceutical company Pfizer announced that it had requested approval for emergency use authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (CAL Matters)
