Steelers special teams coach Danny Smith cleared for game vs. Ravens

Special teams coordinator Danny Smith was cleared to return to the Pittsburgh Steelers and is available to perform his coaching duties during the scheduled Wednesday game against the Baltimore Ravens.

While the game was yet scheduled to be played Tuesday, the Steelers announced Friday that Smith would not be available to coach because of “illness.” But a third postponement from the game’s original Thanksgiving scheduled kickoff provided enough time for Smith to re-join the team.

Similarly, quarterbacks coach Matt Canada is back with the Steelers after he initially had been ruled out for a Tuesday kickoff because of illness.

The NFL has instituted strict protocols related to isolation of any individuals experiencing symptoms during the coronavirus pandemic.

Smith, 67, is in his 45th consecutive season of coaching football, including the past 26 in the NFL and the past 20 as a special teams coordinator. He was hired by the Steelers in 2013.

Assistant wide receivers coach Blaine Stewart had been filling Smith’s special teams coaching duties for practices during Smith’s absence from the team facility.

The Steelers-Ravens game is scheduled to kick off at 3:40 p.m. Three Steelers players — running back James Conner, defensive lineman Stephon Tuitt and reserve offensive lineman Jerald Hawkins — are on the reserve/covid-19 list and cannot play.

Four hours prior to kickoff, 15 players remained on the Ravens’ covid-19 list, including reigning NFL MVP Lamar Jackson and several other starters.

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