By Alex Barth, 985TheSportsHub.com
The Patriots have quickly restocked their roster after placing three players on COVID-19 reserve Saturday evening.
According to ESPN’s Mike Reiss, the team is elevating wide receiver Isaiah Zuber, defensive tackle Nick Thurman, and defensive end Rashod Berry as COVID-19 replacements for Sunday’s game against the Broncos. Offensive lineman Caleb Benenoch was also been added to the main roster as a temporary elevation.
The team has appeared to be high on the rookie Zuber – this will be the third straight game he’s been elevated from the practice squad. So far, the UDFA has recorded two carries for 21 yards.
This is also Thurman’s second elevation of the season – he was active against Seattle and Las Vegas. The second-year defensive tackle will give the Patriots added depth on the interior defensive line after Byron Cowart was placed on COVID reserve last week.
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Berry is now on an active NFL roster for the first time in his career. A rookie UDFA, he played both tight end and defensive end at Ohio State but has played mostly on the defensive side of the ball with the Patriots. It’s likely he was added to make up for the loss of Derek Rivers, who was added to the COVID reserve list earlier on Saturday.
Benenoch is active for the first time in 2020. The interior offensive lineman played 35 games for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers between 2016 and 2019. He also had a stint on the Patriots’ practice squad last season. With David Andrews, Shaq Mason, and James Ferentz all out, he’ll provide much needed depth for the interior offensive line.
Despite the COVID news on Saturday, the Patriots and Broncos are still expected to play Sunday at 1 p.m.. You can catch Bob Socci and Scott Zolak on the call on 98.5 The Sports Hub, with pregame coverage starting at 10 a.m..
Click here for 98.5 The Sports Hub’s complete coverage of the Patriots.
Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at Alexander.Barth@bbgi.com.