Steelers close team facility because of player's positive covid-19 test
A day after their season ended with a 48-37 upset loss to the Cleveland Browns in an AFC wild-card game, the Pittsburgh Steelers closed UPMC Rooney Sports Complex because of covid-19 concerns.
“We have sent home our coaching staff, players and other staff members out of caution after we had one player test positive for covid-19 that included several close contacts,” team spokesman Burt Lauten said in a statement. “We will continue to work with the NFL on contact tracing.”
The closure of the facility could delay annual exit interviews between coach Mike Tomlin, his staff and players, or it could force them to be done remotely.
The Steelers ended their season with starting cornerback Joe Haden on the reserve/covid-19 list. Tight end Eric Ebron and backup outside linebacker Cassius Marsh were on the list for five days because of contact tracing, but they were activated last week and played against the Browns.
Joe Rutter is a TribLive reporter who has covered the Pittsburgh Steelers since the 2016 season. A graduate of Greensburg Salem High School and Point Park, he is in his fifth decade covering sports for the Trib. He can be reached at jrutter@triblive.com.
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