Ravens: Dez Bryant has Cowboys revenge game ruined by COVID-19

Dez Bryant’s rematch with Dallas will have to wait.

Bryant made three Pro Bowls with the Cowboys, and was anxiously awaiting a revenge game of sorts after Dallas dumped him several seasons ago. So, what’s the hold-up? Bryant tested positive for COVID-19 just a half hour before the opening kick, an alarming moment for a Baltimore Ravens team that has already dealt with a number of pandemic-related issues in recent weeks.

The Ravens lost last week’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, and fielded a JV team of sorts as a number of players were lost for the rivalry matchup due to positive COVID-19 tests or close contact. Now, they’ll be without Bryant against Dallas.

What does Bryant’s positive test mean for the Ravens-Cowboys game?

Not much, evidently. Bryant was pulled from warm-ups, but the game must go on.

The Ravens are still fighting for a Wild Card spot in the AFC, and sit at 6-5 with quarterback Lamar Jackson returning from his own battle with COVID-19. Despite another teammate becoming infected, the Ravens are cleared to play, and will kick off against the Cowboys at 8 p.m. ET.

Dallas, meanwhile, still has an outside shot at the NFC East crown thanks to the struggles of Washington, the Giants and the Eagles this season. Yet, the Giants and Washington have surged to at least a two-game on their competition in the last few weeks.

The NFL continues to pledge safety-first, but it’s tough to take that sentiment seriously when they hold a contest just moments after a player was informed of a positive COVID-19 test. Roger Goodell and Co. are determined to play out this season, regardless of the consequences.