OWINGS MILLS, Md. — Baltimore Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey has tested positive for COVID-19, one day after he played every defensive snap in Sunday’s 28-24 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Humphrey announced his diagnosis on Twitter, and a source confirmed the positive result for the All-Pro cornerback.
I got the Rona hopefully I’ll be back healthy soon
— Marlon Humphrey (@marlon_humphrey) November 2, 2020
In a statement Monday, the Ravens said the infected player has begun to self-quarantine and the organization is now in NFL’s intensive protocol. The team has begun the process of contact tracing as well, according to the statement.
The Steelers’ COVID-19 test results all came back negative Monday, the team announced.
Humphrey, 24, is the first Ravens player to test positive for the coronavirus during the season.
Last week, Humphrey missed practice Wednesday with an illness before practicing fully on Thursday and Friday. In Sunday’s loss, he played in all 53 defensive snaps and made four tackles.
Humphrey has been the top playmaker on a defense that ranks No. 2 in fewest points allowed (18.8). He is known for punching the ball away from receivers, which has led to four forced fumbles (tied with the Browns’ Myles Garrett for the league lead).
Humphrey has developed into one of the top shutdown cornerbacks in coverage as well. He has allowed a 52.6% completion rate since 2017, which ranks behind only reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year Stephon Gilmore of the Patriots (49.8%), according to NFL Next Gen Stats.
Last month, Humphrey became the NFL’s second-highest paid cornerback, when he signed a five-year, $97.5 million extension (including a $20 million signing bonus).
This is the latest hit to Baltimore’s secondary. The Ravens have lost two cornerbacks to season-ending injuries — Tavon Young (knee) and Iman Marshall (knee) — and will be without Anthony Averett (shoulder) for at least another four weeks. Baltimore plays at the Indianapolis Colts (5-2) on Sunday.
The only other Ravens player to test positive was undrafted rookie Nigel Warrior, who was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list during the ramp-up period to training camp. Two weeks ago, starting nose tackle Brandon Williams was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list after he was in close contact with an infected person.
Source : ESPN
