ISAIAH WYNN

New England defensive back Kyle Dugger and linebacker Dont’a Hightower returned to the lineup for the Patriots' wild-card playoff game at the Buffalo Bills after missing last week’s regular-season finale.

The New England Patriots have canceled practice amid reports that a third player has tested positive for the coronavirus. – The New England Patriots activated quarterback Cam Newton from the NFL's COVID-19 reserve list on Wednesday. Three Patriots remain on the COVID-19 reserve list: cornerback Stephon Gilmore, defensive tackle Byron Cowart and practice squad DT Bill Murray. New England players say they have found an ally in coach Bill Belichick amid growing local criticism of the NFL’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. “Bill has done a good job of (saying), ‘Hey, this is forever kind of changing, it’s very fluid,’” Patriots safety Devin McCourty said.