Patriots: Stephon Gilmore’s Instagram post sheds light on his status
By Jerry Trotta
Patriots CB Stephon Gilmore’s post on Instagram sheds light on his status following his COVID-19 diagnosis.
The New England Patriots (along with the Titans) have been the talk of the NFL in recent weeks while attempting to battle back their mini coronavirus outbreak. As of this writing, four Patriots players have tested positive for COVID-19, the most notable being quarterback Cam Newton and cornerback Stephon Gilmore.
Neither player would have suited up this weekend, so their clash against Denver being postponed until Week 6 — which was confirmed after the Patriots announced a fourth positive test on Sunday — actually works out better for them in the grand scheme of things.
It really remains to be seen when these players will return to the practice field, but the latest social media activity proves that one is “ready to be back in action.” Gilmore shared that message to his 484,000 Instagram followers in a post that really sheds a positive light on his status.
Stephon Gilmore: “Ready to be back in action 💯 🔒 “ pic.twitter.com/rt862Um1hD
— Zack Cox (@ZackCoxNESN) October 12, 2020
This obviously doesn’t confirm when Gilmore will be activated off the COVID-19 reserve list, but the post carries an undeniably optimistic vibe and really hints that he will rejoin his teammates in the near future. When that will be, however, remains the million dollar question.
Under NFL protocols, Gilmore will be cleared to return 10 days after his initial diagnosis if he continued to tests positive while remaining asymptomatic or once he produces two negative tests, with both coming at least 24 hours apart.
The All-Pro corner revealed in a statement following his diagnosis that he wasn’t showing symptoms. If that continues, and he doesn’t test positive over the next 48 hours, he will theoretically be able to report to practice on Wednesday.
#Patriots star CB Stephon Gilmore has tested positive for the coronavirus and the team isn't expected to practice today, per sources.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) October 7, 2020
The NFL, of course, shut down the Patriots’ facility for the third time in 10 days on Sunday after their fourth positive case was announced. Per league rules, it will need to be closed for a minimum of three days before players and coaching staff can return, which is why Wednesday is the earliest possible date we could see Gilmore back out there with his teammates.
Whether that happens remains to be seen, but fans can certainly take solace in Gilmore’s motivational Instagram post. Though it doesn’t confirm when the reigning Defensive Player of the Year will be given the green light to return, it proves that he’ll be playing like a man possessed whenever he does, and that’s something for Patriots Nation to feel good about amid all of this turmoil.
