On the same morning that that Tennessee Titans’ COVID-19 outbreak continued to worsen with three additional positive tests, according to an ESPN report, the NFL is now dealing with a positive test on a second team, as the New England Patriots announced that one of their players tested positive on Friday.
According to multiple reports, that player is starting quarterback Cam Newton, who is out for Sunday’s game in Kansas City.
The Patriots tested all players and staffers who came into close contact with Newton, and said in a statement on Saturday that all of those tests came back negative. It’s possible that Newton’s positive is an entirely isolated incident – but as we’ve seen with the Titans, there is an incubation period, and the Patriots may not see additional positives immediately.
Patriots QB Cam Newton is being added to the COVID-19/reserve list, per me and @TomPelissero. He’s out for Sunday.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 3, 2020
Statement from the New England Patriots. pic.twitter.com/eSTUukh5vl
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) October 3, 2020
#Patriots players were alerted this morning to come in and get POC tests because a player had tested positive. That player is Cam Newton. The immediate results were no more positives. As we’ve seen in Tennessee, results often take days to manifest.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 3, 2020
Adam Schefter reports that the Patriots are changing their Week 4 travel plans, and are not flying to Kansas City as scheduled.
Patriots supposed to leave for KC at 1; flight is not leaving then, and Pats players leaving team facility.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 3, 2020
All options now appear to be on the table. Patriots could leave later today. Patriots could leave Sunday. Game could be postponed. As one source texted, “No way they can travel today.” https://t.co/RwjemCEQQD
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 3, 2020
Many fans are calling for the NFL to postpone the Patriots-Chiefs game out of an abundance of caution. As of Saturday morning, no plans to move the game have been announced.
