The New England Patriots seem to have promoted quarterback Jarrett Stidham, with the quarterback being active as the team’s backup behind Cam Newton on Sunday for a Week 6 matchup against the Denver Broncos at Gillette Stadium
Newton and cornerback Stephon Gilmore are making their returns from the Reserve/COVID-19 list after contracting the disease and testing positive. Amid New England’s outbreak, which included three additional players going on the Reserve/COVID-19 list on Saturday, Newton and Gilmore are the first players to make their return after testing positive for the novel coronavirus.
New England released its inactives on Sunday morning: Quarterback Brian Hoyer, running back J.J. Taylor, tight end Dalton Keene, defensive tackle Carl Davis and cornerback Myles Bryant.
Guard Shaq Mason, defensive end Derek Rivers and running back Sony Michel are the latest players on the Reserve/COVID-19 list to join defensive tackle Byron Cowart and center James Ferentz.
The Patriots added receiver Isaiah Zuber, defensive tackle Nick Thurman, tight end/defensive end Rashod Berry and offensive lineman Caleb Benenoch to the 53-man roster for game day on Sunday. Zuber, Thurman and Berry are COVID replacements, and will revert back to the active roster in Week 7.
