FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- When the New England Patriots return to practice on Thursday, quarterback Cam Newton is expected to rejoin the team, a source tells ESPN's Field Yates.

That would put Newton on track to start Sunday at home against the Denver Broncos (CBS, 1 p.m. ET) and return from the reserve/COVID-19 list, which he was placed on Oct. 3 after testing positive.

Patriots players returned to the facility Wednesday after three days off, although they weren't together as a complete group. Instead, their arrivals were staggered as the focus was on strength and conditioning work. Newton was present at the facility, according to a source.

The team used its indoor practice facility as a satellite locker room as part of efforts to space out.

Cornerback Stephon Gilmore, starting defensive tackle Byron Cowart and practice-squad defensive tackle Bill Murray are the other players the Patriots have placed on the COVID-19 list.

In Newton's absence, the Patriots started veteran Brian Hoyer in a 26-10 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on Oct. 5. The team was supposed to face the Broncos this past Monday, but after Cowart tested positive on Oct. 9, that game was postponed to Sunday.