It was not a long stay on the NFL’s new COVID-19 list for Steelers wideout James Washington. After being placed on the short-term reserve Sunday, Washington has cleared the league’s return-to-play protocols after not even missing a week of training camp.
To make room for Washington on the 80-man active roster, the Steelers released inside linebacker John Houston, an undrafted rookie who had more than 100 tackles last season at USC. Washington’s reason for being temporarily away from the team was not disclosed, per agreed-upon stipulations by the NFL and its players’ association; he either tested positive for COVID-19 or came in close contact with someone who did.
The only two Steelers who remain isolated are running back Jaylen Samuels and cornerback Justin Layne. Layne has been on the reserve list since July 29.
Brian Batko: bbatko@post-gazette.com and Twitter @BrianBatko.
First Published: August 7, 2020, 2:50 p.m.
