Patriots place 3 more on COVID list
The New England Patriots went back to work Saturday in preparation for their twice-postponed game against Denver even as they added three more players to the COVID-19 reserve list.
Offensive lineman Shaquille Mason and defensive lineman Derek Rivers were added to the list on Saturday, as was running back Sony Michel, who was already on injured reserve with a leg injury. The moves come a day after center James Ferentz was added to the COVID-19 list, prompting the team to cancel practice Friday and close its facility.
A Patriots spokesman said Saturday the team was proceeding with its usual day-before walkthrough, but all meetings would be virtual. The game against the Broncos was originally scheduled for Oct. 11, then pushed back one day and then rescheduled for today after a fourth Patriot tested positive for the coronavirus.
The Broncos had COVID-19 news of their own Saturday: Running backs coach Curtis Modkins has tested positive and won’t make the trip to New England. He is in isolation and has no symptoms.
Elsewhere, the Jacksonville Jaguars said that a practice-squad player tested positive. The team placed 12 players on the practice squad COVID-19 list, 11 of them because they have been in close proximity with the infected teammate.
It benefited Jacksonville that it separates practicesquad players from those on the 53-man roster, creating an extra level of protection to help prevent an outbreak.
The Jaguars also placed defensive end Josh Mauro on the regular COVID-19 list. He had been suspended the first five weeks of the regular season but rejoined the team Monday.
Browns’ Beckham tests negative, cleared to rejoin team
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. had his second negative COVID-19 test in 24 hours, clearing him to rejoin his teammates and play in today’s game at Pittsburgh.
Beckham was kept away from Cleveland’s facility and didn’t practice for two days after feeling ill on Thursday and being sent home. In keeping with NFL coronavirus protocol, he had to twice test negative before being allowed back.
The league has instructed teams to remove anyone showing symptoms similar to COVID-19 even if they are caused by a cold or the flu.
The Browns listed Beckham as questionable to face the unbeaten Steelers (4-0) at Heinz Field.
Notable
The Detroit Lions activated guard Joe Dahl from injured reserve and signed quarterback David Blough from the practice squad to the active roster. The Lions also elevated tight end Isaac Nauta from the practice squad and released cornerback Chris Jones. ... The New York Jets activated wide receiver Vyncint Smith and linebacker Blake Cashman from the injured reserve list. The team also announced it elevated quarterback Mike White from the practice squad. White will again serve as the backup to Joe Flacco, who is making his second straight start in place of the injured Sam Darnold. Safety Marqui Christian was released to make room on the active roster.