2 Key Steelers Placed On Reserve-COVID-19 List

PITTSBURGH, PA — Facing a must-win situation Sunday to even have the slimmest chance of making the playoffs, the Steelers could be without several key starters and their defensive coordinator.

The Steelers on Thursday placed receiver Diontae Johnson and center Kendrick Green on the Reserve-COVID-19 list.

Johnson is the Steelers leading receiver with 100 receptions for 1,110 yards, his first 100 reception season and his first 1,000-yard receiving season. He also has a career-high eight touchdowns.

Green, the team's third-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, started the first 15 games on the season at center. He didn't play against the Cleveland Browns on Monday due to a calf injury.

Cornerback Joe Haden and defensive coordinator Keith Butler were placed in the COVID-19 protocol on Wednesday.

The Steelers must beat the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday, have the Jacksonville Jaguars defeat the Indianapolis Colts and have the Las Vegas Raiders and Los Angeles Chargers avoid a tie to make the playoffs. Otherwise, the storied career of quarterback Ben Roethlisberger would appear to be over.

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