Patriots elevate four from practice squad as Covid-19 reserve list lengthens

On the eve of Sunday’s meeting with the Denver Broncos, the New England Patriots placed an additional three on Covid-19 reserve amid a series of moves.

Running back Sony Michel, starting right guard Shaq Mason and outside linebacker Derek Rivers have been added to the list, as first reported by ESPN’s Field Yates.

The new reserve category was formed for players who either test positive for coronavirus or have been in close contact with an individual who has tested positive. Those categorized as high-risk contacts are required to isolate for five days, according to the NFL’s updated protocols.

Michel resides on New England’s injured reserve due to a quad injury, while Mason had been questionable due to a calf injury that left him inactive for Week 4 versus the Kansas City Chiefs.

Center James Ferentz and defensive tackle Byron Cowart remain on the Covid-19 reserve list ahead of the 1 p.m. ET kickoff at Gillette Stadium. And the Patriots, who cancelled practice on Friday, have since promoted four members of the practice squad to the active roster.

As shared by Mike Reiss of ESPN, offensive lineman Caleb Benenoch has been made a standard elevation and is scheduled to revert to the 16-man scout team without clearing waivers on Monday. According to the transaction wire, wide receiver Isaiah Zuber, defensive tackle Nick Thurman and linebacker Rashod Berry have been designated as Covid-19 replacements.

Benenoch has started 22 games since entering the league as a fifth-round draft choice out of UCLA in 2016, while Berry signed with New England as an undrafted free agent in April after playing both on the defensive end and tight end at Ohio State.

Zuber and Thurman have each appeared in two games this season for New England.