The Pittsburgh Steelers' scheduled Thanksgiving Day clash with the Baltimore Ravens has been postponed to Sunday afternoon, and Steelers players are none too pleased.
Star wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster vented his frustrations on Twitter and cited the fact this has happened to the Steelers on multiple occasions:
“First the NFL takes away our bye week because another team can’t get their Covid situation together…” Smith Schuster tweeted about the Steelers game, “…now they take away our Thanksgiving primetime game for the same reason. Smh.”
Indeed, Pittsburgh has been on the wrong end of multiple decisions related to COVID-19.
The Steelers had their original bye week moved up after multiple positive tests and a broach of protocol by the Tennessee Titans forced an early-season postponement.
Now, the Steelers are forced to share the spotlight with the rest of the league on Sunday rather than play the nightcap on Thursday. Granted, this is hardly the most ideal situation for the Ravens, either.
Baltimore has had seven different players test positive and/or be in close contact in the last three days. Although the postponement could give these players the opportunity to take the field Sunday, it also shortens the Ravens' turnaround in Week 13. Baltimore will have to play the Dallas Cowboys next Thursday on a short week.
The #Ravens had 7 players positive in 3 days, including most recently: Matt Skura, Pat Makari and Calais Campbell, plus several coaches and their top 2 RBs. Commissioner Roger Goodell made the decision with health and safety in mind.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 25, 2020
The repercussions of this for the #Ravens are they will play the #Cowboys and #Steelers four days apart rather than having full week of preparation. https://t.co/sVn7owGhTS
— Ed Werder (@WerderEdESPN) November 25, 2020
Not to mention, the NFL is trying to keep players safe. Positive cases have risen dramatically throughout the country in recent weeks. The situation is similar in the NFL, with multiple teams having to deal with outbreaks.
JuJu and the Steelers have reason to feel frustrated, given postponements have had a particular impact on their season. However, the NFL likely had no other choice.
Follow Us
Subscribe