Rookie running back La’Mical Perine tested positive for COVID-19 and will miss the season finale for the New York Jets on Sunday, coach Adam Gase said Wednesday.
He is the first member of the Jets to test positive this season. The organization is conducting contact tracing to determine whether any other players will need to be placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list, Gase said.
“I’m not sure if or how many guys it’s going to affect,” Gase said Wednesday morning. “We have a lot to go through right now.”
With veteran Frank Gore already announced as out with a lung contusion, Perine was set to be the featured back for the Jets (2-13) when they play at the New England Patriots (6-9).
The rushing duties are expected to fall to Josh Adams and Ty Johnson.
The Jets selected Perine, 22, in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL Draft. The Florida product has played in 10 games and carried the ball 64 times for 232 yards and two touchdowns. He added 63 yards on 11 receptions.
