Stephon Gilmore, star cornerback for the New England Patriots, has tested positive for COVID-19, following which, the team was not expected to practice on Wednesday.
According to Tom Pelissero, a reporter for NFL Network and NFL.com, Gilmore is the only active Patriots player who tested positive on Tuesday.
Pelissero said Gilmore first tested positive on Tuesday and underwent additional tests that confirmed the positive case.
On Wednesday, the NFL reporter tweeted, “#Patriots star CB Stephon Gilmore has tested positive for the coronavirus and the team isn’t expected to practice today, per sources.”
Field Yates, an NFL Insider for ESPN, has also confirmed Pelissero’s report.
“So, for now, the Patriots have QB Cam Newton, CB Stephon Gilmore and practice squad DT Bill Murray on their Reserve/COVID-19 list,” tweeted Field Yates.
Recently, Patriots quarterback Cam Newton tested positive for COVID-19, postponing Sunday’s game to Monday. Newton was not picked for that game and it is unclear when he might return.
Patriots Practice Squad DT Bill Murray also tested positive for coronavirus on Tuesday.
Gilmore, who won the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year last year, took to social media on Wednesday to thank everyone for their good wishes and prayers.
The 30-year-old said, “I’m currently asymptomatic and will take this as it comes. I don’t know what to expect, but my spirit is high because of God.”
“I’ve followed every protocol, yet it happened to me,” he added. “Please be sure to take this seriously.” The Patriots have been scheduled to play the Denver Broncos on Sunday at Gillette Stadium.
