Report: Patriots Place Three More Players On COVID List Ahead Of Broncos Game

The New England Patriots placed offensive lineman James Ferentz on the reserve/COVID-19 list Friday. However, this was not the only positive player New England has right now. According to the latest reports, the Patriots placed three other players on the COVID list. Some of these players are key contributors for Sunday’s game against the Denver Broncos.

New England placed running back Sony Michel, right guard Shaq Mason, and outside linebacker Derek Rivers on the list a day before the game against Denver. Several sources confirmed the information, including Field Yates from ESPN.

Of course, this doesn’t mean that the players had a positive test for the virus. NFL teams can place players on the reserve/COVID-19 list if they have been in contact with a positive player.

Defensive tackle Byron Cowart and Ferentz were already on this list. The team removed quarterback Cam Newton, cornerback Stephon Gilmore, and practice squad D-tackle Bill Murray from the COVID list. They had already practiced earlier this week.

Mason is a starting right guard for the Patriots. He missed the game against Kansas City due to a calf injury. The team listed him as questionable for Sunday’s game. Rivers is a situational pass-rusher for the team.

Michel had a spot on injured reserve and was not expected to suit up for Sunday’s game.

New England had a lot of empty places to fill up. They will probably use wide receiver Isaiah Zuber, defensive tackle Nick Thurman and edge rusher Rashod Berry from the practice squad as replacements for the players. The Patriots also elevated offensive lineman Caleb Benenoch as confirmed by Mike Reiss from ESPN.

Sunday’s game is still on the schedule. Jeff Howe of The Athletic confirmed the information. Will the NFL make another last-minute change? The Patriots vs Broncos game was rescheduled twice in a week. The NFL has a big decision to make right now.

Having Newton back is more than great news for the Patriots. His running game will help the team hit more touchdowns in the upcoming games. Hopefully, the situation won’t get out of control in the next few weeks.