The NFL recently introduced a new rule named after Baltimore Ravens WR Dez Bryant with regards to the COVID-19 pandemic which now allows teams to activate a new player 30 minutes before kickoff.

Prior to the establishment of the rule, teams will have to play a man down once a player gets pulled out for a positive test or high-risk close contact designation after submitting game-day inactives which is set 90 minutes prior to kickoff, per NFL Network‘s Tom Pelissero.

It was made in light of the events that transpired prior to the Ravens' Week 13 tilt against the Dallas Cowboys where wide receiver Dez Bryant was pulled out during warm-ups, around 30 minutes prior to kickoff, due to a contraction of a positive COVID-19 case.

He then tested negative on back to back tests afterward but was already placed on the team's reserve/COVID-19 list which required him to sit out for a total of 10 days.

Bryant then took to Twitter to express his disappointment regarding the handling of his case:

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The three-time Pro Bowler failed to suit up to face his former team where the Ravens won on a lopsided 34-17 victory. He still failed to make it back on the field due to his 10-day quarantine period and ultimately missed the Ravens' crucial Week 14 tilt against the Cleveland Browns where his team snagged a narrow 47-42 win.

Bryant hasn't been able to return to his previous Pro Bowl form and only played sparingly for the Ravens in three appearances this season. Nonetheless, Baltimore will still be needing his services if they want to snag a playoff spot in the upcoming postseason.

The veteran receiver will aim to make it back on the gridiron as the Ravens look to extend their ongoing two-game winning streak against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 15 proceedings.