Baltimore Ravens CB Marlon Humphrey has tested positive for COVID-19
The Baltimore Ravens took a double hit Sunday after falling to the undefeated Pittsburgh Steelers and losing several offensive linemen in the process. Now, the team could be losing once more following the news surrounding a star defensive player.
According to the man himself, Ravens Pro Bowl cornerback Marlon Humphrey has tested positive for COVID-19 and will be placed on the COVID-19/reserve list until further notice. Humphrey took to Twitter to share the news of his recent diagnosis. He will now be required to clear the league’s COVID-19 protocols before returning to team activities or the facility.
The All-Pro corner missed Wednesday’s practice last week due to an illness, but he returned Thursday and played in Sunday’s game. He finished with four total tackles against the Steelers receiver corp.
For the season, Humphrey has shown was some consider him a top-five cornerback in the league with his coverage skills. Through seven games, Humphrey has totaled 32 tackles, five pass deflections, four fumble recoveries and an interception.
The Ravens released a statement earlier Monday morning confirming a player has tested positive, but did not name Humphrey.
The blows keep coming for the Ravens
Sunday’s loss might be more monumental than just an “L” in the record column. Following the game, Ravens coach John Harbaugh announced that All-Pro left tackle Ronnie Stanley would be out for the remainder of the season with an ankle injury.
Humphrey, like Stanley, also was given a hefty pay raise this offseason for his work during the 2019 breakout season. Earlier last month, the team agreed to a five-year extension worth $98.75 million that will keep him in the Ravens’ secondary. Last season, Humphrey finished with 65 total tackles, 14 pass deflections, three interceptions, two forced fumbles and two defensive touchdowns.
Both positions are weak in depth, but cornerback has taken hits over the past several weeks. The team announced that nickel cornerback Tayvon Young would miss the remainder of the season after suffering a knee injury against the Houston Texans.
In October, fellow defensive back Anthony Averett would suffer a shoulder injury against the Philadelphia Eagles. He is expected to miss up to six weeks on the injured reserve list.
The Ravens, already going to be strapped for cash, might need to look into adding a defensive back before Tuesday’s NFL trade deadline. Entering their Week 9 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, Marcus Peters and Jimmy Smith remain the team’s only cornerbacks with starting experience.