Bills place WR John Brown on reserve/COVID-19 list

The Buffalo Bills activated wide receiver John Brown off the injured reserve list ahead of Monday's prime-time game at the New England Patriots after he missed a handful of contests due to an ankle injury. 

Brown won't play against New England, however, as the Bills added him to the reserve/COVID-19 list hours before kickoff. 

Per Nick Shook of the league's official website, Brown had close contact with Buffalo running back T.J. Yeldon, who was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list on Sunday. Additionally, Buffalo also added running back Christian Wade and safety Josh Thomas to the reserve/COVID-19 list. 

While the news is disappointing, it's also business as usual for a Buffalo side that hasn't had Brown in the lineup since a loss to the Arizona Cardinals on Nov. 15. The Bills won four straight coming off their bye to improve to 11-3 on the campaign and could leapfrog the Pittsburgh Steelers for the No. 2 seed in the AFC postseason bracket with two additional victories. 

Brown could be eligible to return for next Sunday's game against the Miami Dolphins if he tests negative for COVID-19 throughout the week. The 30-year-old has tallied 29 receptions for 386 yards and two touchdowns this season.