The New England Patriots are getting their stars back after bouts with COVID-19.
Quarterback Cam Newton was activated from the reserve/COVID-19 list on Wednesday, and All-Pro cornerback Stephon Gilmore returned to practice on Thursday, per Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk:
Cornerback Stephon Gilmore has also returned to action. Pictures taken by media members at the open portion of the session show Gilmore going through drills for the first time since testing positive for COVID-19 last week.
It goes without saying this is a critical development for the Pats ahead of their Week 6 tilt with the Denver Broncos.
Gilmore was named the NFL's Defensive Player of the Year in 2019 after tying for the league lead in interceptions (6) and also leading the NFL in passes defended (20). Opposing quarterbacks completed just over 50 percent of their passes when targeting Gilmore, who did not give up a single touchdown last season.
The 30-year-old had been productive again to start the 2020 season, with an interception and forced fumble to go along with two passes defended. But quarterbacks are having slightly more success against Gilmore, completing close to 62 percent of their passes when targeting his side of the field. Gilmore is also giving up nearly 15 yards per reception and 9.1 yards per target.
However, it goes without saying Gilmore is still the top corner in football, and the Patriots will welcome him back into the fold as they hope to get over the .500 mark.
New England and Denver were originally slated to face off in Week 5, but the contest was postponed after Gilmore and others tested positive for COVID-19.
But it seems this weekend is a go, barring any late positives.
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