Steelers working through restrictions, prepping for Cowboys

If the Steelers needed something to snap them back to reality, the pandemic certainly provided that to them.

Fresh off a 28-24 victory over the Ravens that ran their record to 7-0 and gave them a two-game cushion in the AFC North standings, it would be to put things into cruise control. After all, up next are the 2-6 Cowboys, who will be starting their fourth quarterback of the season against the Steelers on Sunday.

But in the aftermath of the win over the Ravens came news that Baltimore cornerback Marlon Humphrey had tested positive for COVID-19. That placed the Steelers in the NFL's intensive protocols, meaning schedules had to be shifted around with even more stringent rules in affect for the Steelers moving forward until they make it through the week without any positive tests themselves.

"You try to control what you can control, but the virus doesn't bend to our liking," said defensive end Cam Heyward, who said the quad injury he suffered against the Ravens is getting better daily. "We don't know what was going on over there. I don't think it was them being negligent. It's up to us to continue to do our job and be ready for anything."

So, after playing emotionally draining games against the previously unbeaten Titans and then the Ravens in back-to-back weeks, seeing the struggling Cowboys on the slate, even on the road, might look like a game for the Steelers to relax. But they can thank the Ravens for not allowing them to do so.

Because the meetings and practices will be under more scrutiny and require more detail this week, the Steelers might have to be more focused than normal, just to get through the week.

"The last two weeks have been draining games," Ben Roethlisberger admitted Wednesday. "Obviously, the Tennessee game because it felt like we were on the field for 100 plays. And then last week, just because it's Baltimore. Coach is doing some things today to get guys back, in terms of the way practice is scheduled. It's one of those things that we joke about. Football is work during the week, but when Sunday comes, we're playing ball.

"This is one of those weeks where you have to mentally focus in the preparation, meeting times, things like that. When Sunday comes, you can be tired all week, but you've got to be dialed in and ready to go."

The Steelers had to move their practice time back an hour on Wednesday to allow time for everyone to get into the UPMC-Rooney Sports Complex while being tested and remaining socially distanced. Then, they had to have their team meeting at their indoor facility, where a large screen was erected -- by complex partners, Pitt -- to allow the team to be socially distanced while reviewing film and game plans.

Individual position group meetings were done virtually, while players were required to wear a mask or face shield throughout practice.

"It's going to be one of those weeks where mentally, we need to be sharp, so Sunday we can be prepared physically," Roethlisberger said.

Mike Tomlin took it easy on his team Wednesday as it returned to practice to prepare to face the Cowboys, but it's not unlike the way he's handled things after physical matchups in the past.

But the additional COVID-19 restrictions also made for a different practice, though the Steelers aren't concerned about an outbreak among their roster as much as they are the Cowboys.

"No, I've tested negative, so I'm not worried," said wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster when asked if it was a concern. Humphrey matched up against Smith-Schuster regularly in that game.

"We're all wearing masks. We're meeting socially distanced," said wide receiver Chase Claypool. "The team is taking precautions. For me, it doesn't change anything. I just go to practice and then back home."

The Steelers just need to get through this week without a positive test, something they haven't had since the first week of training camp when players were reporting from across the country.

They've already dealt with some bumps in the road because of the pandemic in terms of having their games against the Titans and Ravens moved and being forced to take their bye a week earlier. They feel they'll get through this week fine, as well.

"It's been such an unprecedented year for everybody," said Roethlisberger. "You had all of those home games in a row, which you don't (usually) have. And then to go on the road (for three in a row), it's just kind of the way it's been for everybody. My college coach always used to say, 'Have a plan, work the plan and plan for the unexpected.' That's kind of what we've been doing. We just take whatever has been thrown at us. Like today, everything was pushed back an hour. But everybody is having to do it. We can't just say, 'Oh, woe is us.' People in real life are dealing with changing stuff too.

"We've just got to keep rolling with it and understand that when we get on the field Sunday, no matter where we are, we have to play our best."

At 7-0, they've matched the 1978 Steelers for the best start in team history. They're also the lone remaining unbeaten team in the NFL.

But all of that means nothing if they start veering away from doing the things that have gotten them to this point.

"We've got a lot of football left to be played," said Heyward. "If we don't win another game, we don't have a winning record, so we've got to continue to keep growing."