Pro football is a rugged, rock ‘em, sock ‘em game played by tough-as-nails modern gladiators.
But it wilts like a flower when having to deal with something as overwhelming and tenacious as the coronavirus.
The NFL has announced the Pittsburgh Steelers and Tennessee Titans will not play their Week 4 game.
It seems two more Titans have tested positive for the virus that has its grip on the entire world.
Cornerback for Titans and one personnel member test positive for COVID-19
Titans cornerback Kristian Fulton and one personnel member tested positive for COVID-19 on Thursday, forcing the NFL to make its announcement.
This comes after four players (Kamalei Correa, Tommy Hudson), sDaQuan Jones, Beau Brinkley) and five personnel members tested positive earlier in the week.
Some of the players who tested positive had flu-like symptoms, Titans Coach Mike Vrabel said.
“The game will be postponed as a means to secure the safety and health of players, coaches and game day personnel,” the NFL said. “The Titans offices are closed and the team will not have in-person activities until further notice. “
NFL officials at first thought they could have the game, originally scheduled for Sunday, moved to Monday or Tuesday.
The Vikings report they are 100 percent virus-free after battling the Titans
Tennessee played the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday. The Vikings report that they are 100 percent virus-free after undergoing tests..
Coaches for both teams voiced their disappointment Thursday.
“Our players were really shocked at the announcement,” the Titans Mike Vrabel said.
“They were prepared and eager to play. Still, I think they know the decision had to be made.”
Pittsburgh”s Mike Tomlin said his players understood the importance of the move. “We will adjust and move forward,” Tomlin told reporters.
Rescheduling could be a problem, especially with the coronavirus lurking.
Now the NFL must reschedule a game between two teams that are undefeated after three outings this year. Rescheduling could present a problem, especially with the corona virus lurking.
Most likely, the teams could reschedule the game for Week 7 on Oct. 25, Tennessee’s bye week is Oct. 25.
Pittsburgh, meanwhile, is slated to take on Baltimore that week, but both the Steelers and the Ravens have byes in Week 8.
This, sources say, would permit the NFL to make a change impacting only one other team.
