Steeler Place CB Justin Layne on COVID-19 Reserve List

The Steelers have placed cornerback Justin Layne on the COVID-19 Reserve List, the team announced on Wednesday afternoon.

Layne, 22, was the Steelers’ third-round draft pick in the 2019 NFL Draft and played in 10 games as the team’s No. 4 outside cornerback as a rookie in 2019, making three total tackles on the season.

The 6-foot-2, 192-pound Michigan State alum should be slated to move up the pecking order behind starters Joe Haden and Steven Nelson this season after the departure of Artie Burns in free agency.

Layne’s inclusion on the COVID-19 Reserve List does not necessarily mean that he has tested positive for the virus. The list was create for players that have either teste positive or who are being quarantined after being in close contact with a know positive case. The team must, per league policy, place players in those categories on the COVID-19 Reserve List, but are not permitted to disclose which category the player is in. 

Players are subject to medical clearance before returning from the list. There is no maximum number of players that can be placed on the list. Steelers veteran began reporting to Heinz Field for testing on Tuesday.

Layne is the second Steelers player to be placed on the COVID-19 Reserve List, joining fellow defensive back Arrion Springs. Their roster now stands at 89 players.