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Report: Lamar Jackson tests positive; Ravens closing facility until Monday

Patrick Smith / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson has tested positive for COVID-19, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports.

The Ravens are closing their team facility until Monday at the earliest, reports ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Jackson, the 2019 NFL MVP, is the latest in a long line of Ravens players affected by the virus, and the reported developments throw the status of Sunday's game against the undefeated Pittsburgh Steelers into doubt. Should the game proceed as scheduled, backup quarterback Robert Griffin III would likely start for Baltimore.

The matchup between the AFC North rivals was supposed to cap off the NFL's Thanksgiving tripleheader. Instead, the league announced Wednesday the game would be moved to Sunday.

Baltimore already has 10 players on the reserve/COVID-19 list, and it appears Jackson could soon join them. The team first placed third-string quarterback Trace McSorley and defensive back Iman Marshall on the reserve list last Friday before Sunday's loss to the Tennessee Titans.

The Ravens then placed running backs Mark Ingram and J.K. Dobbins and defensive tackle Brandon Williams on the reserve list Monday while announcing that multiple members of the organization had tested positive for COVID-19. Linebacker Pernell McPhee joined them Tuesday, while defensive end Calais Campbell and offensive linemen Matt Skura and Patrick Mekari hit the list Wednesday. Baltimore placed defensive end Jihad Ward on the list Thursday morning.

Baltimore disciplined a staff member Wednesday for reportedly failing to report his COVID-19 symptoms and failing to consistently wear a mask or tracking device inside the team facility.

Head strength and conditioning coach Steve Saunders was the staff member in question, sources told Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic. The team has reportedly suspended Saunders.

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