Steelers activate LB Vince Williams off covid list

Veteran Vince Williams was activated off the reserve/covid-19 list and re-joined the Pittsburgh Steelers, relieving the team’s problem with a dearth of healthy bodies at the inside linebacker position.

On Dec. 10, Williams was placed on the NFL’s list designated for coronavirus protocol. Although the league and team are prohibited from publicly confirming if players on the list have tested positive or merely were deemed close contacts, Williams strongly indicated on social media that he was suffering mild symptoms. Close contacts are required to spend five days in isolation, but those who test positive have a 10-day minimum.

Williams missed losses to the Buffalo Bills and Cincinnati Bengals over his 13-day stint on the covid list. The Steelers started converted safety Marcus Allen and recent trade acquisition Avery Williamson at inside linebacker during both games because Devin Bush and Robert Spillane are on injured reserve.

An eight-year veteran who has spent his entire career with the Steelers, despite the missed games in 2020, Williams remains among the NFL leaders in tackles for loss (14). He has 63 tackles (41 solo), three sacks and two fumble recoveries.

“Having him back only benefits the group in terms of a mentality or intellectuals where they are able to talk about things,” defensive captain Cameron Heyward said of Williams’ impact on the linebacker corps. “And when he’s on the field, his physicality, the way he’s able to blitz, he really gives us an edge.”

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