Patriots place player on COVID IR, designate rookie to return
The Patriots made a pair of roster moves on Monday evening, placing running back J.J. Taylor on the reserve/COVID-19 list and designating kicker Quinn Nordin to return from IR
Oct 24, 2021; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots running back J.J. Taylor (42) runs against the New York Jets during the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports
The Patriots made a pair of roster moves on Monday evening, placing running back J.J. Taylor on the reserve/COVID-19 list and designating kicker Quinn Nordin to return from IR. Both moves were first reported by ESPN's Field Yates.
After appearing in four of the first seven games for the Patriots this year, Taylor has been a healthy scratch four of the last five weeks. The second year back has 19 carries for 37 yards and two touchdowns this season in a reserve role when active.
Taylor's placement on the COVID-IR could mean he tested positive, or was exposed to somebody else who had the virus. If Taylor is vaccinated, he can return after two negative tests at least 24 hours apart. If he is unvaccinated, he'll miss a minimum of five days if he was exposed, or 10 days if he tested positive himself. After that, he'd need to test negative to rejoin the team.
As the Patriots prepare for a big game Monday night in Buffalo, the COVID situation is one to monitor. Not only is Taylor now in the COVID protocols, but the Titans - who the Patriots faced on Sunday - placed safety Kevin Byard on COVID IR earlier on Monday.
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