Ben Roethlisberger, Steelers COVID-19 concerns could shift AFC race with Chiefs

Ben Roethlisberger and the Steelers are dealing with some COVID-19 issues that could alter the AFC race.

Vance McDonald was the first player to hit the reserve/COVID-19. On Tuesday, four more players were added. The Pittsburgh Steelers are dealing with myriad concerns in terms of injury and illness heading into Week 10, including the potential of going forward without quarterback Ben Roethisberger on Sunday.

On Tuesday, the Steelers placed Big Ben on the same reserve/COVID-19 list as McDonald, the team’s tight end, along with linebacker Vince Williams, offensive lineman Jerald Hawkins, and running back Jaylen Samuels. That’s five players who will need to quarantine while the Steelers try their best to prepare to face the Cincinnati Bengals next weekend.

At this point, the Steelers are the lone unbeaten team left in the National Football League. This means they control their own destiny heading into the second half of the season. That’s always a good thing for any franchise, but this is the first year in which only one team will be given home-field advantage and a first-round bye in the postseason. In short, if you’re not the top seed for the AFC or NFC, then you’ll be playing every single round of the playoffs.

The ability to earn a full week’s rest before the postseason begins is a major bonus for any team, which means the Kansas City Chiefs are very interested in the fortunes of the Steelers from week to week. The Chiefs have a single loss on their record—Week 5 against the Las Vegas Raiders—and are now resting themselves during their bye in Week 10.  If they were able to watch the Steelers fall to the Bengals, it would give them added motivation to finish well down the stretch.

At this point, NFL reporter Nick Shook says that McDonald is already out for Sunday’s game and the status of other players are yet unknown. However, it’s also important to note that Roethlisberger is also dealing with injuries in both knees from Week 9 against the Dallas Cowboys. The early prognosis is that he’s still expected to play but now his proximity to McDonald’s positive COVID-19 test adds a further wrinkle.

As for other potential losses, Williams is a starting inside linebacker for the Steelers, while McDonald is a starting tight end. Samuels is a rarely used rotational back and Hawkins is a backup tackle.