The New England Patriots were forced to send five of their players to the Covid-19 reserve list this week, bringing the number of those currently unavailable to eight. While the league modifying its quarantine protocols would allow all of them to return ahead of this week’s game, there is not guarantee that they will do so.
Even if they are back, there is no guarantee they will be able to seamlessly resume their previous roles. Just look at wide receiver Kendrick Bourne, who missed an entire week of practice and was virtually a non-factor during the Patriots’ game versus the Buffalo Bills.