PATRIOTS PLACE 3 MORE ON COVID-IR

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 injury list.

Offensive lineman Shaquille Mason and defensive lineman Derek Rivers were added to the list, 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 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: 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 Jaguars said that a practice-squad player tested positive. The team placed 12 players on the practice squad COVID-19 list.

Those on the list will need three negative tests to be removed. The Jaguars (1-4) are confident they will host Detroit (1-3) today as scheduled, even though they held football activities remotely Saturday as part of NFL safety protocols.

The Ravens placed defensive tackle Brandon Williams — a key figure in Baltimore’s run defense — on the reserve/covid-19 list on Saturday. The team isn’t saying if he tested positive or came in close contact with someone infected.

The Falcons left as scheduled in two planes for today’s game at Minnesota. The team said defensive end John Cominsky was placed on the reserve/covid-19 list and defensive line coaches Tosh Lupoi and Jess Simpson did not make the trip.

Notable

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.

• The Lions activated guard Joe Dahl from injured reserve and signed quarterback David Blough from the practice squad to the active roster.

• The Jets activated wide receiver Vyncint Smith and linebacker Blake Cashman from the injured reserve list in time for both to play today.