In late breaking news, the Baltimore Ravens have shut down operations of their facility due to multiple members of their organization testing positive for COVID-19. This came Sunday night after sustaining a heart breaking overtime loss to the Tennessee Titans. Among those testing positive is Pro Bowl running back Mark Ingram. This couldn’t come at a worse time for the Ravens, who are experiencing a 2-game losing streak heading into a Thursday matchup with divisional rival Pittsburgh.
#Ravens RBs Mark Ingram and J.K. Dobbins have tested positive for COVID-19 and will be placed on the reserve list later today, according to sources. All aboard the Gus Bus for Thursday vs. the #Steelers.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) November 23, 2020
In 2020, Ingram has been hampered by injury. He’s only rushed for 232 yards and 2 touchdowns on 57 attempts. Just as he seemed to be on the road to becoming his old self, yet another road block has been thrown into his path. As if matters weren’t complicated enough, the Ravens will also be without the services of promising rookie running back J.K. Dobbins. He too has tested positive for COVID-19.
#Ravens HC John Harbaugh confirms on Zoom that Mark Ingram and JK Dobbins have tested positive for Covid-19 … Team’s facility was closed this morning and it is now re-opened.
— Kimberley A. Martin (@ByKimberleyA) November 23, 2020
That leaves the reigns in the capable hands of Gus Edwards. He will lead the way with Justice Hill rotating in. In 2020, Edwards has 376 yards and 3 touchdowns on 85 carries. Hill has yet to record any stats of significance thus far in the 2020 campaign. Of course this may prompt Lamar Jackson to assume even more of the rushing load. He seems to have no problem doing that to begin with. After all, he leads the team in rushing with 575 yards.
As far as how these newly discovered cases will impact the game this Thursday night, it is yet to be determined. At 6-4, the Ravens currently sit in third place of the AFC North standings. The Pittsburgh Steelers are 10-0 and sit firmly in 1st place. Once considered the favorites to win the Super Bowl this season, the Ravens find themselves in jeopardy of not fulfilling that prophecy. Although the odds are stacked against them, a miracle win against their rival could greatly help their cause.