One of the most highly anticipated games in the NFL this weekend has been postponed.
The 3-0 Pittsburgh Steelers were set to visit the 3-0 Tennessee Titans, with the winner having an opportunity to prove themselves as one of the NFL’s elite by remaining undefeated. However, due to several positive COVID tests, the game has been put on hold. The game will likely not be played for several weeks, with the most likely scenario being that the two teams face off in week 7.
Four Titans players tested positive: defensive tackle Daquan Jones, linebacker Kamalei Correa, long-snapper Beau Brinkley and tight end Tommy Hudson. Five other team personnel members also tested positive. Extensive tests were performed on Minnesota Vikings players and personnel, who played the Titans last week. No positive cases have emerged from those tests.
The NFL released a statement on Wednesday, Sep. 30 to announce the postponement. The statement originally projected the game to be played on Monday, Oct. 5 or Tuesday, Oct. 6, making it a short delay 1-2 day delay for those involved. This would change to be played in another week, meaning both teams begin a makeshift bye week at this time.
“[The postponement will] allow additional time for further daily COVID-19 testing and to ensure the health and safety of players, coaches, and game day personnel,” the statement said.
The game is the first that has had its start time altered since the league began regular-season play on Sep. 10. The league intends to put stricter rules in place to try and avoid postponements in the future.
The NFL has already dished out a total of $1.7 million in fines to coaches and organizations for failing to uphold COVID-19 protocol. They intend to put even tighter rules on practicing and more tests in order to keep the league open.