Report: Patriots Corners Don’t Clear COVID-19 Protocol, Won’t Play Against Bills

The New England Patriots are dealing with a huge obstacle heading into the playoff game against the Buffalo Bills. Two Patriots players haven’t cleared their COVID-19 protocol. According to latest reports, cornerbacks Jalen Mills and Shaun Wade won’t suit up for the wild-card game. The team didn’t activate both players from the COVID list. New England had a chance to activate its cornerbacks by Friday afternoon. It didn’t happen and head coach Bill Belichick will have to think of other options.

The Patriots will have to rely on other options during the game. J.C. Jackson, Myles Bryant, Justin Bethel, and Joejuan Williams are still on the cornerback depth chart.

Mills and Wade are not the only players to miss the game. Isaiah Wynn was also ruled out for the contest.

Patriots players didn’t clear COVID-19 protocol, Belichick elevates replacements

Belichick is dealing with depth issues at the moment. Thirteen players were listed as questionable for the game against the Bills. Add Wynn and Mills to the story and you have a big problem on the table.

Belichick’s defense will need several players to step up the game if Kyle Dugger misses the game. Reporters didn’t see him during Wednesday and Thursday practice sessions. The team listed him as limited participant.

Dugger missed the regular-season finale due to a hand injury. He recorded 86 tackles, 4 interceptions, and 5 passes defended in the regular season. The veteran is a versatile defender who can be of great help for the Patriots’ gameplan.

Myles Bryant missed a week due to COVID and he is back now. The same goes to Joejuan Williams. Both players have seen multiple roles in the secondary.

Defensive back D’Angelo Ross and cornerback De’Vante Bausby will fill up some of the holes on the roster. Defensive tackle Daniel Ekuale and wide receiver Kristian Wilkerson were elevated for the game. Ekuale and Ross are stepping in as COVID replacements.

Playing without Mills will be a big task for the Patriots. Let’s see how will the team handle his absence. Belichick still has enough talent to win the upcoming game.