Patriots’ Newton off COVID-19 list
The New England Patriots activated quarterback Cam Newton from their COVID-19 reserve list Wednesday, clearing the way for him to resume practicing and to play in Sunday’s rescheduled game against the Denver Broncos in Foxborough, Mass.
Newton could practice with the Patriots (2-2) as soon as Thursday. He missed one game after testing positive for the novel coronavirus, which causes the illness COVID-19. His positive test was confirmed Oct. 3 by a person familiar with the result.
Brian Hoyer started in place of Newton in the Patriots’ loss Oct. 5 in Kansas City. Hoyer was benched during the game in favor of Jarrett Stidham.
The Patriots-Broncos game was delayed a week by the NFL after it was originally scheduled for Sunday as part of the Week 5 slate. Patriots cornerback Stephon Gilmore, the reigning NFL defensive player of the year, played against the Chiefs and tested positive for the coronavirus two days later.
League cancels next Pro Bowl
The NFL has canceled next January’s Pro Bowl scheduled for Las Vegas.
During an owners meeting held virtually Wednesday, the league opted to call off the all-star game, hoping to replace it with a variety of virtual activities. The NFL needs flexibility in January in case it needs to move regular-season games to that month because of the coronavirus pandemic.
The Pro Bowl, set for Jan. 31, a week before the Super Bowl, has lost much of its attractiveness in recent years. Many of the chosen players decided not to participate, and, naturally, players from the two Super Bowl teams don’t go.
If there is a Pro Bowl in 2022, the 32 owners voted to return it to the new Allegiant Stadium in Las
Vegas.
Broncos’ Gordon cited for DUI
Running back Melvin Gordon III wasn’t on hand for quarterback Drew Lock’s first full practice since injuring his right shoulder.
The Broncos sent their leading rusher home after learning he was cited by Denver police for driving under the influence and speeding Tuesday night.
Gordon could face a suspension from the NFL. Last year, Broncos safety Kareem Jackson was suspended for the final two games after a DUI arrest in September in downtown Denver.
Coach Vic Fangio said the Broncos are considering their own discipline of Gordon in addition to whatever punishment the league hands down.
Jaguars acquire Titans LB Correa
The Jaguars acquired linebacker Kamalei Correa from the Titans for a lateround pick. Jacksonville sent a sixth-round selection in 2021 to Tennessee for Correa and a seventhrounder.
Tennessee coach Mike Vrabel said earlier in the day the team was preparing to release Correa, who was activated off the team’s reserve/COVID-19 list before Tuesday night’s game against Buffalo. He was inactive for the victory after spending two weeks on the COVID list.
Odds and ends
Joe Flacco will get his second straight start at quarterback for the Jets in place of the injured Sam Darnold (shoulder). … Cardinals All-Pro linebacker Chandler Jones is out for the season because of a biceps injury. … Baker Mayfield was limited in practice with sore ribs, but the Browns quarterback is convinced he’ll play Sunday when Cleveland plays at unbeaten Pittsburgh.