Patriots place three more on COVID-19 reserve list

The New England Patriots went back to work Saturday in preparation for their twice-postponed game against Denver even as they added three more players to the COVID-19 injury list.

Offensive lineman Shaquille Mason and defensive lineman Derek Rivers were added to the list on Saturday, as was running back Sony Michel, who was already on injured reserve with a leg injury.

The moves came a day after center James Ferentz was added to the COVID-19 list, prompting the team to cancel practice Friday and close its facility.

A Patriots spokesman said Saturday the team was proceeding with its usual day-before walkthrough, but all meetings would be virtual.

There was no word from the team on any Saturday testing.

The game against the Broncos originally was scheduled for Oct. 11, then pushed back a day before being rescheduled for noon today after a fourth Patriot tested positive for the coronavirus.

The Broncos had COVID-19 news of their own Saturday: Running backs coach Curtis Modkins has tested positive and won’t make the trip to New England. He’s in isolation and has no symptoms.

Elsewhere, the Jacksonville Jaguars placed 12 players on the practice squad COVID-19 list after a practice squad player tested positive.

The Jaguars also put defensive end Josh Mauro on the regular COVID-19 list. He had been suspended the first five weeks of the regular season but rejoined the team Monday and spent the week with the practice squad.

It benefited Jacksonville that it separates practicesquad players from those on the 53-man roster, creating an extra level of protection to help prevent an outbreak.

Sore hamstring sidelinesWatkins

The Kansas City Chiefs ruled out wide receiver Sammy Watkins for Monday night’s game against the Buffalo Bills.

The designation doesn’t come as a big surprise because Watkins missed three straight days of practice.

Watkins injured his hamstring in Week 5 and couldn’t finish the game.

Second-year pro Mecole Hardman is expected to step in for Watkins, while Byron Pringle continues in his role as a backup wide receiver and core special teams contributor.

Jags safety fined for hit on Cooks

Jacksonville Jaguars safety Josh Jones was fined $4,852 for unnecessary roughness by the league office for a helmet-tohelmet shot Sunday on Texans wide receiver Brandin Cooks that earned him an ejection.

Cooks held onto the football for a 23-yard gain.

Earlier this season, Texans tight end Jordan Akins suffered a concussion on a hit by Minnesota Vikings safety Harrison Smith, who was ejected and fined $15,000.

Harrison is appealing the fine.

Odds and ends

The Jets activated WR Vyncint Smith and LB Blake Cashman from the injured reserve list in time for both to play against the Dolphins at Miami. The

Jets also elevated QB Mike White from the practice squad for a second straight game to back up Joe Flacco, who’s making his second consecutive start in place of the injured Sam Darnold. ... The Lions activated OG Joe Dahl from injured reserve and bumped up practice squad QB David Blough and TE Isaac Nauta to the active roster.