Jacksonville Jaguars guard Ben Bartch will miss some time away from the team this week as the team announced that he was placed on their Reserve/ COVID-19 list Tuesday. This comes after the fourth-round rookie started in the Jags’ last game against the Tennessee Titans.
#Jaguars OL Ben Bartch has been placed on the Reserve/COVID-19 list.
In response, OL Evan Boehm has been signed to the practice squad.
— 𝐏𝐡𝐢𝐥 𝐒𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐡 🎙 (@PhiltheFilipino) December 15, 2020
The Reserve/ COVID-19 list was made this season for players who either contracted COVID-19 or were around a person or people with it. Either category requires a period to quarantine until cleared and the list was one of many elements that’s part of the NFL’s COVID-19 protocol for 2020.
Bartch’s absence will leave the Jags without one of their best pass protectors this week. Per Pro Football Focus, he especially flashed Week 14, allowing just one pressure in 57 pass block reps. As a result, he ended up winning their “Secret Superstar of the Week” Award in PFF’s Week 14 review.
Luckily for the Jags, veteran guard Andrew Norwell appears to be on his way back from injured reserve. He was placed on IR last month with a forearm injury but the Jags designated him to return Wednesday, which means he has a chance to play Week 15 against the Baltimore Ravens.
The Jags also announced the return of offensive lineman Evan Boehm to their practice squad. He’ll rejoin the Jags with 21 starts to his name after spending time with the Arizona Cardinals, Indianapolis Colts and Miami Dolphins.