Steelers place Roethlisberger, 3 others on COVID-19 list

The Pittsburgh Steelers placed quarterback Ben Roethlisberger on the COVID-19 list, the team announced Tuesday.

Jaylen Samuels, Jerald Hawkins, and Vince Williams were also added to the reserve group.

Roethlisberger has reportedly been deemed a high-risk close contact, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. The signal-caller can't practice and has to isolate for five days, but he can play Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals if he tests negative throughout the week.

Head coach Mike Tomlin isn't worried about the prospect of Roethlisberger starting without any practice reps due to the quarterback's experience.

"I'm not overly concerned about it. This guy has been doing his job for 17 years," Tomlin told the media Tuesday, according to Chris Adamski of the Tribune-Review.

Pittsburgh will likely turn to Mason Rudolph to fill in under center if Roethlisberger can't play Sunday. The team also has Josh Dobbs and Devlin Hodges as backup options.

Roethlisberger, who's reportedly dealing with injuries to both his knees, is permitted to go to the team facility for rehab, a source told NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. He must wear appropriate PPE and can only show up to rehabilitate his ailments when there aren't many team personnel members around.

The 38-year-old has thrown for 18 touchdowns and just four interceptions this season while leading the Steelers to an undefeated 8-0 start.

Pittsburgh also placed Vance McDonald on the COVID-19 list Monday after announcing a player tested positive.

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