Patriots place three on COVID list

New England went back to work Saturday in preparation for their twice-postponed game against Denver even as they added three more players to the Reserve/ list.

Offensive lineman Shaquille Mason and defensive lineman Derek Rivers were added to the list, as was running back Sony Michel, who already was on injured reserve.

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 spokesperson said the team was proceeding with its usual day-before walk-through, but all meetings would be virtual.

The game against the Broncos originally was scheduled for Oct. 11, then pushed back one day and then rescheduled for 1 p.m. Sunday after a fourth Patriots player tested positive for the coronavirus.

Steelers

The team activated receiver Deon Cain from the practice squad for a game Sunday against the Browns. The Steelers brought Cain up to the 53man roster because re ceiver Diontae Johnson was ruled out Friday with a back injury. Cain played in six games for the Steelers in 2019 and had five catches for 72 yards. Cain will revert back to the practice squad after the game and will not have to clear through waivers.