The New England Patriots received unfortunate news on Sunday: They will be without quarterback Cam Newton for five days. He accidentally violated the NFL’s testing protocol for players who are not fully vaccinated, and because he missed a test, he will need to go into a five-day re-entry period.
It was a reminder that the Patriots need three quarterbacks for 2021. The Patriots have to manage the stern protocols for their quarterback who isn’t fully vaccinated: Newton. Even if all of the Patriots’ quarterbacks are eventually vaccinated, they can still contract COVID-19, which could result in their absence from the team, though vaccinated players have a shorter timeline for return than unvaccinated individuals.
The 2021 season will have plenty of uncertainties. The Patriots will need to stay deep at the NFL’s most important position.
