NBC’s primetime matchup between the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers has been delayed until Sunday due to a COVID-19 outbreak on the Ravens.
The news was reported by NFL Network’s Ian Rappaport. The league said in a statement, “This decision was made out of an abundance of caution to ensure the health and safety of players, coaches and game day personnel and in consultation with medical experts.”
At least 10 employees and players on the Ravens tested positive this week, including the team’s top two running backs. In the past three days, at least seven players were put on the NFL’s COVID-19 list, which is for those who test positive and for those identified as close contacts.
In place of the game, NBC will re-air the National Dog Show (which typically follows the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade) and an episode of “The Wall.” NBC will now air the game on Sunday at 1:15 p.m. ET.
This is the second Thursday game to be pushed back due to a COVID-19 outbreak this year, and robs NBC of what would have been a highly watched primetime contest. Last year’s primetime matchup on Thanksgiving between the Atlanta Falcons and New Orleans Saints drew more than 21 million viewers.
The postponement leaves only two games on Thanksgiving. The Detroit Lions will host the Houston Texans in the early game on CBS at 1:30 p.m ET, while the Dallas Cowboys will host the Washington Football Team at 4:30 p.m. on Fox.