Report: Patriots Add Sony Michel, Shaq Mason, Derek Rivers To COVID-19 List
BOSTON (CBS) -- The Patriots added three more players to the reserve/COVID-19 list on Saturday, one day before the team is set to host the Denver Broncos at Gillette Stadium.
ESPN's Field Yates reported that running back Sony Michel, guard Shaq Mason, and defensive end Derek Rivers were all placed on the list on Saturday.
The Patriots are placing RB Sony Michel, G Shaq Mason and DE Derek Rivers all on the Reserve/COVID-19 list, per source.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) October 17, 2020
That news comes one day after center James Ferentz was placed on the list, as well.
The Athletic's Jeff Howe reported that Michel -- who is on injured reserve -- tested positive.
Sony Michel has tested positive and is being placed on the COVID-19 list. Shaq Mason and Derek Rivers have not tested positive but are being placed on the COVID-19 list, per source.
— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) October 17, 2020
NFL Network's Tom Pelissero noted that the NFL created stricter guidelines for placement on the COVID-19 list this week.
Worth noting again: The NFL added a new "high risk" close contact category to the protocols this week and anyone in it must isolate for 5 days, thus landing on the list. My understanding is these moves are not all the result of new positive COVID-19 cases. https://t.co/vpCyYpC4xD
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) October 17, 2020
Michel remains the team's leading rusher, despite his placement on injured reserve prior to the Patriots' game against the Chiefs. The 25-year-old is not eligible to return from IR until Week 8.
Mason, 27, was also inactive for the Chiefs game, as he was dealing with a calf injury. The right guard started the first three games of the season and missed just four games from 2016-19.
Rivers, 26, has been active for all four Patriots games this season, registering 1.5 sacks and three total tackles while taking a tick under 21 percent of the team's defensive snaps.
The trio joins Ferentz and defensive lineman Byron Cowart on the reserve/COVID-19 list. Earlier in the week, quarterback Cam Newton, cornerback Stephon Gilmore, and practice squad defensive lineman Bill Murray were activated to the roster from the COVID-19 list after satisfying the NFL's conditions for removal.
To help alleviate the losses on the active roster, the Patriots elevated four players from the practice squad for Sunday's game.
The Patriots are elevating OL Caleb Benenoch from the practice squad for Sunday's game.
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) October 17, 2020
Also, DE Rashod Berry, WR Isaiah Zuber and DT NIck Thurman are being elevated as COVID-19 replacements.
Earlier on Saturday, the Broncos announced that their running back had tested positive for COVID-19 and did not make the trip to New England with the team.
Despite the uptick in cases now involving both teams, all indications have pointed to the game being played as scheduled on Sunday at 1 p.m.