The Patriots have a few of their key players currently not on the 53-man roster whether it’s because they are on the COVID list or injured reserve.
Their return dates vary with some being eligible to come back as soon as this Sunday against the Broncos, while others will have to wait a few more weeks.
It is worth noting the injured reserve rules state players have to miss a minimum of three games, not weeks, so this past week does not count towards being able to return.
Here’s a list of players and when they can return.
Cam Newton- If he’s not showing symptoms (which has been reported), he can return at any time now as long it’s with approval from a doctor. The new rules state a player who isn’t showing symptoms can return following 10 days from their original positive test, regardless of if they test positive, and it’s been beyond 10 days for Newton. It seems likely he will be able to play against the Broncos.
Stephon Gilmore- Since the 10 days are not yet up for Gilmore, if he’s asymptomatic like has been reported and said, he can return following two negative tests that are 24 hours apart. His 10 days will expire prior to the Denver game this Sunday, so it seems like he will be able to return for the game as long as it’s approved by a doctor.
Byron Cowart- Because his positive test just happened on Saturday, he can’t return as soon as the other two. But, if he doesn’t show symptoms and produces two negative tests 24 hours apart, he could theoretically play Sunday against Denver. It’s worth noting it’s not known if he’s showing symptoms of not and he hasn't yet officially been placed on the COVID list.
David Andrews- Andrews was placed on injured reserve prior to the Week 3 game against the Raiders, so he will be forced to miss one more game since he only missed games against Las Vegas and Kansas City. He can return in Week 7 against the 49ers.
Josh Uche- The rookie linebacker has the same timeline as Andrews.
Sony Michel- Michel was placed on IR before the Chiefs game, so he will miss this week against Denver and the week after against San Francisco. The earliest he can return is Week 8 against Bills.
Cody Davis- Davis has the same timeline as Michel.
Beau Allen- He’s been on IR since the start of the year, so he can return at any time.
Yodny Cajuste- Like Allen, he can return at any time since he started the year on IR.
