Ravens quarterback to miss training camp start after second positive COVID-19 test

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson missed the beginning of training camp Wednesday after testing positive for COVID-19.

During a press conference, head coach John Harbaugh announced that both Jackson and running back Gus Edwards had tested positive for the coronavirus. He did not specify how long each player would be out, but ESPN reported that Edwards would miss the first 10 days of training camp.

ESPN reported that Jackson previously tested positive for COVID-19 in November.

NFL policy requires unvaccinated players to isolate for 10 days after a positive COVID-19 test. WBAL-TV in Baltimore cited an unnamed source who said Jackson has not received the vaccine.

When reached for comment, a Ravens spokesperson told The Hill that the team cannot discuss the vaccination status of individual players.

Harbaugh said Wednesday that about 90 percent of the team is vaccinated.

Harbaugh downplayed the latest COVID-19 test results for Edwards and Jackson.

“It’s no different than if somebody gets an injury. You tweak an ankle or something, and you’re out for some number of days. You know, it’s just part of football. And to me, whenever you have a problem, whenever something comes up like that, you embrace it, you kind of almost rejoice in it because it’s an opportunity to improve somewhere else,” Harbaugh said.

Others in the league have tested positive for the coronavirus.

Indianapolis Colts head coach Frank Reich is missing his team’s training camp after his positive test results.

“I’m excited for training camp, however, I’m disappointed I won’t be there with the team as we start,” Reich said in a statement shared via the team’s Twitter account on Monday. “I’m fortunate to be fully vaccinated and I’m asymptomatic. I’m feeling well and I’m looking forward to returning as soon as I’m medically cleared.”