Jets rookie running back La'Mical Perine tests positive for COVID-19

La’Mical Perine won’t be the Jets’ featured back in Sunday’s finale after all.

The rookie running back tested positive for COVID-19, Adam Gase said. Perine is the first Jet to test positive and will be placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list. The Jets are doing contact tracing to see if other players will have to go on the list.

"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."

Six other players did not participate in practice for precautionary reasons as the Jets go through contact tracing. They were safety Marcus Maye, cornerbacks Bless Austin and Bryce Hall, linebacker Neville Hewitt, defensive lineman John Franklin-Myers and offensive lineman Chuma Edoga.

Perine, a fourth-round pick, was expected to be the Jets’ featured back Sunday against the Patriots. Frank Gore (bruised lung) was placed on injured reserve Tuesday due to a lung contusion. Now, the Jets will rely on Ty Johnson and Josh Adams.

Gase wasn't concerned about either of them being put on the COVID list. Due to protocols, players don't come to team facilities unless they're injured and need rehab or treatment.

"I don’t think those two guys will be affected by this," Gase said.

The Jets also could elevate Pete Guerriero from the practice squad.

Perine came off of injured reserve last week after missing the prior four games with a high-ankle sprain. He carried the ball nine times for 30 yards. Earlier in the week, Gase made it sound as if Perine would get a heavy workload this Sunday. Not anymore.

Line up

Starting guards Greg Van Roten (foot) and Alex Lewis (non-football injury list) were designated to return to practice and could play Sunday. If they do, the Jets’ starting offensive line will be together for the first time since Week 11 against the Chargers and just the fifth time all season.

Van Roten, a Long Beach resident, missed the previous three games. Lewis missed five games – all non-injury related. The Jets placed him on NFI on Dec. 4 to let him seek help with a non-football issue.

The Jets only had a walk through on Wednesday. They’ll practice the next two days. Van Roten hopes he can end the season on the field.

"We’ll see how the week progresses for me physically," Van Roten said. "Hopefully I’m able to play. I’d love to finish this season, one more game with these guys, finish on a high note."