Ben Roethlisberger among 4 added to Pittsburgh Steelers' COVID-19 list
The Pittsburgh Steelers have placed quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and three others on the reserve/COVID-19 list after they were deemed high-risk close contacts with tight end Vance McDonald, who returned a positive test for the virus on Monday.
As high-risk contacts, Roethlisberger, OL Jerald Hawkins, RB Jaylen Samuels and LB Vince Williams must isolate for five days after their last contact with McDonald, and they cannot return to the UPMC Rooney practice facility for at least those five days. They are allowed to participate in team meetings virtually. All four will be tested throughout the week before possibly being eligible to play Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals.
While Roethlisberger is said to have "been diligent" with his behavior around others in regards to the pandemic, he has been seen on the sidelines talking to McDonald without wearing a mask. The two are friends and have lockers close to each other. Roethlisberger, however, has not tested positive.
The NFL's Dr. Allen Sills previously said the deciding factor for high-risk designation is often determined by whether the person had close contact while not wearing a mask.
https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/30291133/ben-roethlisberger-4-added-pittsburgh-steelers-covid-19-list