The league has previously mandated that they will be penalizing teams who have violated COVID-19 safety protocols amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. The Denver Broncos and Baltimore Ravens are currently under investigation for potential violations in light of their recent virus outbreaks, as per ESPN‘s Adam Schefter.

An unexpected outbreak struck at the Ravens camp which prompted rookie running back J.K. Dobbins and fellow rusher Mark Ingram to be placed on the team's reserve/COVID-19 list last Monday They were followed by several other players, including quarterback Lamar Jackson who was placed on the list on Friday. Several more Ravens players were added to the list on Saturday.

Team members who contracted the virus and incurred a positive COVID-19 test are required to undergo a 10-day quarantine. The Ravens' initial Thanksgiving Day encounter against the Pittsburgh Steelers was already pushed back for a second time, being rescheduled from Sunday to Tuesday.

Article Continues Below
More Denver Broncos News
Garett Bolles, Broncos
3 Broncos hidden gems on 2025 roster you need to knowDouglas Fritz ·
Denver Broncos linebacker Nik Bonitto (15) following the win against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Broncos’ Nik Bonitto has wild response to PFF snubJosh Davis ·
Denver Broncos running back Audric Estime (23) celebrates after a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs at Empower Field at Mile High.
Sean Payton promises ‘more touches’ for 2nd-year Broncos weaponBen Strauss ·
Sep 19, 2022; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills linebacker Von Miller (40) warms up before a game against the Tennessee Titans at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images
Why Von Miller believes Broncos reunion ‘doesn’t make sense’Mike Gianakos ·
image thumbnail
1 Broncos rookie who stood out most in 2025 minicampDouglas Fritz ·
A general view of the Denver Broncos logo outside of UCHealth Training Center where practice was cancelled after a morning team meeting.
Broncos announce induction of late 5-time Pro Bowler into Ring of FameBenjamin Adducchio ·

Facing a similar plight, the Denver Broncos were also heavily hit by the virus. They're currently heading to their Week 12 tilt against the New Orleans Saints without a legitimate quarterback on their roster. All four of their gunslingers in Drew Lock, Blake Bortles, Brett Rypien, and Jeff Driskel are all required to sit out due to being identified as close contacts of the virus.

Denver eventually found a replacement in practice squad wide receiver Kendall Hilton who will be starting under center against the Saints. He reportedly had prior experience of playing at the quarterback position dating back to his collegiate days with Wake Forest.

Broncos head coach Vic Fangio himself was already penalized by the league due to non-compliance with wearing a safety mask earlier this season. The situation will have to await further developments in order to reach conclusive penalties that will be handed to both the Ravens and the Broncos, among other violating teams.