Eric Rueb

Tuesday

Oct 13, 2020 at 5:05 PM

When Patriots cornerback Stephon Gilmore tested positive for COVID-19 last Wednesday, it was reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter that the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year had gone out to dinner with quarterback Cam Newton the previous Friday, which would have been the day he took the test that came back positive on Saturday.

It was framed as reasonable explanation as to how Gilmore could have contracted COVID. It also [...]

It was framed as reasonable explanation as to how Gilmore could have contracted COVID. It also might not be entirely true.

Around lunchtime on Tuesday, Gilmore’s wife Gabrielle tweeted a NESN story and wrote "There was no dinner out, I’m going to help you out so you guys stop reporting false news."

In response to someone calling her "one of the most accurate news sources in New England," Gabrielle Gilmore responded and said "I’ve seen it circulating a couple times and now I’m annoyed, lol."

So it looks more probably than not that Gilmore and Newton didn’t have dinner out on the town together on Oct. 2. It doesn’t mean they didn’t eat in a group setting somewhere or were dining at the Gilmore or Newton residences.

More playing time ahead?

After running for 100 yards on 17 carries in his starting debut in the Patriots’ 26-10 loss to Kansas City, Bill Belichick made it sound like Damien Harris was going to see a similar load had the Patriots played Denver on Sunday.

"Damien had a good week of practice. He was impressive in camp. He’s in good condition, ready to go, and he was able to put together some solid days in practice," Belichick said. "I think that we, as a coaching staff, we felt he would be ready to go Monday night in Kansas City, and he was; he ran hard, ran well."

Belichick also made it sound like Harris will be a part of the Patriots’ plans should they actually get to play Denver this Sunday.

"Look forward to having him back," Belichick said. "I’m glad we have him, and I look forward to having him back out there."

D-line getting thin

There were already enough questions about the big bodies on the defensive line the Patriots had coming into the season.

Now the question is who’s actually going to be able to play?

Two weeks ago the defensive line’s performance against Kansas City answered many who wondered if this group could handle an elite offense. It’s was a small sample size, but it’s a start.

This week will be another test. While Denver lacks a quarterback of Patrick Mahomes’ caliber, the Broncos do have a tandem of running backs in Melvin Gordon and Phillip Lindsay who present a challenge.

Who the Patriots will put on the field to do that is still yet to be determined. Lawrence Guy is healthy, so that’s a good start, but after that the big boys up front start to get a little thin.

Byron Cowart and practice squad DL Bill Murray are both on the COVID-19 IR, so they’re out. Newcomer Beau Allen remains on IR (the normal one) but could be activated. Adam Butler was limited at practice last week with a shoulder problem.

Could Nick Thurman be in the Patriots’ plans?

Belichick was asked about Thurman, who played in the loss to Seattle in Week 2 and in the Week 3 win over the Las Vegas Raiders before being placed back on the practice squad.

"Nick’s a hard-working kid. He’s played a number of different roles for us, has been active here a little bit this year and he’s had an opportunity to practice with our defense, not just scout team," Belichick said. "Like all of our second-year players, [he’s] made significant improvement over the course of the offseason and at the start of the year this year.

"We’ll see how it goes. I’m sure if he gets an opportunity he’ll be ready to go.

erueb@providencejournal.com

On Twitter: @EricRueb

PATRIOTS JOURNAL: Gilmore’s wife says he didn’t dine out with Newton

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