The Steelers have placed defensive end Stephon Tuitt, defensive tackle Isaiah Buggs and offensive tackle Jerald Hawkins on the COVID-19 reserve list, the team announced on Friday.
The COVID-19 reserve list can be used both for players that have tested positive for the disease and also for players that have to isolate after potentially being exposed. It’s not clear which category the Steelers players are in, though when tight end Vance McDonald tested positive a few weeks ago, the team announced it as such.
The additions make four Steelers on the COVID-19 reserve list. Offensive lineman Kevin Dotson is also on the list, while McDonald was re-activated this week.
Players on the COVID-19 reserve list that test positive and are symptomatic cannot play or practice for 10 days. Those that are asymptomatic must miss at least five days. Players that are in isolation for potential exposure must also sit out at least five days.
That means that Buggs, Hawkins and Tuitt will all likely miss the Steelers’ Tuesday game with the Baltimore Ravens.
Tuitt has started every game for the Steelers at defensive end this season, and Buggs has been one of the team’s primary backups at that position. Henry Mondeaux, who was promoted from the practice squad earlier this season and played in the team’s last five games, would likely be in line to start at end in the team’s base defense, with nose tackle Tyson Alualu getting additional playing time in the Steelers’ two-lineman sub package sets.
Hawkins is the Steelers’ primary backup at both tackles and third tight end. Fellow backup Derwin Gray can play both guard and tackle, and left guard Matt Feiler has played tackle in the past.