The Baltimore Ravens learned that at least three members of the organization tested positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday, a source told ESPN, marking the fourth day of a coronavirus outbreak among the team that led to the postponement of Thursday's game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The new positive tests came from one player, one position coach and one staff member, the source said.
Officials believe they have traced the main cause for this outbreak and the expectation remains that the Ravens will play at the undefeated Steelers on Sunday (1:15 p.m. ET, NBC).
Ravens defensive end Jihad Ward was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list Thursday, according to ESPN's Field Yates. Ward, who has been inactive for the past four games, becomes the eighth player, and third defensive lineman, to go on the reserve list this week. He has 12 tackles and one sack this season.
As of Wednesday afternoon, the Ravens had seven players who tested positive for COVID-19 or were identified as close contacts. Members of the Ravens' coaching staff and support staff also have tested positive.
A source told ESPN that a strength and conditioning coach for the Ravens didn't report symptoms and didn't always wear a mask inside the facility. That coach was suspended by the team on Wednesday.
The Ravens were set to play the Steelers on Thursday but the NFL decided to postpone the game to conduct more testing and contact tracing, a source told ESPN's Dan Graziano on Wednesday.
Baltimore closed its facility Monday morning before reopening in the afternoon, when the team held a walk-through. A day later, the Ravens shut down the facility again after more positive tests and conducted all team activities virtually, which they are continuing to do Thursday.
The Ravens' outbreak began hours after Sunday's 30-24 overtime loss to the Tennessee Titans, when the team learned running backs J.K. Dobbins and Mark Ingram had tested positive. Nose tackle Brandon Williams was later identified as a high-risk close contact.