Kyle Dugger has returned a positive COVID test result. Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Patriots S Kyle Dugger tests positive for COVID-19

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 12/1/21

ESPN's Field Yates previously tweeted there was hope that New England Patriots star safety Kyle Dugger may avoid the reserve/COVID-19 list following a virus-related "situation" earlier on Wednesday:

Patriots S Kyle Dugger missed practice today as the team awaits more information on a possible COVID-19-related situation, per source.

While it’s uncertain as of now, he could wind up on the Reserve/COVID-19 list.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) December 1, 2021

That, however, is no longer the case, as Dugger was one of four NFL players who produced new positive COVID-19 test results halfway through the midweek:

Four players were placed on the Reserve/COVID-19 list today: Broncos C Brett Jones, Vikings WR Olabisi Johnson, Patriots S Kyle Dugger and Steelers OL Joe Haeg, all as a result of a positive test.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) December 1, 2021

As Jake Levin noted for NBC Sports Boston, it's unknown if Dugger is vaccinated against COVID-19. A vaccinated player can return to team activities by producing a pair of negative virus tests at least 24 hours apart and remaining asymptomatic. An unvaccinated player must isolate away from his club for a minimum of 10 days.

The first-place Patriots (8-4) play at the second-place Buffalo Bills (7-4) on Monday night ahead of New England's bye. Dugger's status for that matchup is understandably up in the air, but the week off suggests he'd miss only a single game unless he experiences lingering physical setbacks related to the coronavirus.

According to ESPN stats, Dugger leads the Patriots with 80 total tackles, and he's third on the team with three interceptions. He's also contributed one fumble recovery.

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