Ravens S Chuck Clark activated from reserve/COVID-19 list, can play vs. Bengals

Ravens safety Chuck Clark was activated from the reserve/COVID-19 list Friday, clearing the way for the defensive leader to return for Sunday’s pivotal game against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Clark, who leads the defense in snaps and typically wears the green dot as the unit’s signal-caller, was sidelined for Sunday’s loss to the Green Bay Packers, his first absence his rookie year in 2017. He’s expected to start in Cincinnati alongside rookie Brandon Stephens, who paired with second-year safety Geno Stone on Sunday. In 13 games this season, Clark has 58 tackles, three tackles for loss and eight passes defended.

Also activated Friday were reserve center Trystan Colon and practice squad running back Nate McCrary. Ten Ravens remain on the reserve/COVID-19 list, including wide receiver Sammy Watkins, defensive lineman Justin Madubuike, outside linebackers Justin Houston and Pernell McPhee, and cornerbacks Jimmy Smith and Chris Westry. The Ravens on Friday ended an eight-day streak in which at least one player was added to the reserve/COVID-19 list.

For the second straight week, the omicron variant has sidelined dozens of players leaguewide. Under the NFL’s updated COVID-19 protocols, fully vaccinated players who test positive can clear protocol within one day if they register two negative tests and are asymptomatic. Players who are not vaccinated must quarantine for 10 days.