Ravens activate five players ahead of Steelers game; three starters sent to reserve/COVID-19 list

The Ravens have activated five players ahead of Tuesday’s scheduled game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, four of whom could help replenish the team’s depth amid a coronavirus outbreak in Baltimore.

Offensive lineman D.J. Fluker, outside linebacker Jaylon Ferguson, defensive tackle Broderick Washington and injured cornerback Iman Marshall were activated from the reserve/COVID-19 list Monday. Fluker, Ferguson and Washington were considered “high-risk” close contacts, but were cleared to play after testing negative while self-quarantining. Marshall is out for the season with a knee injury.

Also activated was offensive lineman Tyre Phillips, who was designated to return from injured reserve last Monday. Phillips, a third-round draft pick out of Mississippi State, sprained his ankle Nov. 1 against the Steelers and has missed the past three games. The 23-year-old started six of the Ravens’ first seven games this season.

Defensive tackle Brandon Williams, whom coach John Harbaugh last week identified as a close contact, was not activated and would not be able to play Tuesday.

Fluker has started the past three games at right tackle, earning the starting job after left tackle Ronnie Stanley suffered a season-ending injury. Ferguson has two sacks in 10 games this season, while Washington has two tackles in six games.

The Ravens also sent tight end Mark Andrews, wide receiver Willie Snead IV and outside linebacker Matthew Judon to the reserve/COVID-19 list after all three starters reportedly tested positive for COVID-19. The Ravens also added cornerback Terrell Bonds to the list, but he was already on injured reserve after suffering a knee injury earlier this month.

The Ravens now have 20 players on the list, reserved for players who have tested positive or been deemed a high-risk close contact.