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Saturday morning, Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joe Haden tweeted the following, drawing questions from fans as to whether or not it was COVID-related:
I’m so pissed and sad at the same time..... stay safe out here
— Joe Haden (@joehaden23) January 2, 2021
About an hour later, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN tweeted that Haden “has been flagged for a COVID-19 situation,” and the Steelers are planning to play without him for Sunday’s game against the Browns.
Steelers corner Joe Haden has been flagged for a Covid-19 situation, and though not finalized, the Steelers are planning to play without him vs. Cleveland, per source.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) January 2, 2021
COVID-19 situations are creeping up around the NFL at a rampant pace as we wind down the season. Cleveland had their top cornerback, CB Denzel Ward, removed from this week’s game due to a positive test. Haden’s test is in question right now, but with Pittsburgh resting players at this point anyway, even if Haden tests negative, you’d have to imagine they’ll keep him out as a precaution.
Cleveland likely needs a win against Pittsburgh to clinch a playoff spot.
UPDATE: Haden has tested positive for COVID-19. He is out on Sunday, and will miss the Steelers’ first playoff game too.
Joe Haden has tested positive for COVID-19 and won't play tomorrow, source told @DanGrazianoESPN.
— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) January 2, 2021
Updated COVID-19 protocols mandate a player who tests positive must isolate for min of 10 days, even if asymptomatic -- meaning Haden will likely be out for first round of playoffs https://t.co/aY3uJVvZhK