Patriots put 1 on COVID-19 list, Broncos game to proceed
The New England Patriots placed center James Ferentz on COVID-19 reserve Friday, but the move isn't expected to affect Sunday's game against the Denver Broncos.
"We're under the assumption and understanding that the game is going to go off on time," Broncos head coach Vic Fangio told reporters. "Anything that happens otherwise will happen when it happens."
The Patriots incurred their latest COVID-19 scare Friday upon discovering one positive test plus a second one that required confirmation.
New England closed its facilities for multiple days beginning Oct. 11 to stop a potential spread within the building. The team returned to practice Thursday with Cam Newton, Stephon Gilmore, and Bill Murray back from the COVID-19 list but had to cancel practice Friday after learning of another positive test.
The NFL hasn't yet made any plans to reschedule the game, which was already pushed back from Week 5 to Week 6, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter. Both teams had their byes moved to Week 5 when Patriots defensive tackle Byron Cowart tested positive two days before kickoff.
If the contest proceeds as scheduled, the Broncos could have quarterback Drew Lock in the lineup for the first time since Week 2. The sophomore is listed as questionable on the injury report with a shoulder problem but Fangio said he'd be probable if such a designation still existed.
The Broncos plan to fly to Boston on Saturday.