By Kenton Mayfield –
As of Friday night Cam Newton had not been listed on the team’s injury report and was not officially placed on the league’s reserve/COVID-19 list, which is for players who have either tested positive for the virus or had been around someone who tested positive. Teams are prohibited from disclosing health statuses regarding the coronavirus.
It was on Saturday when reports of Newton’s positive test began to surface. followed by the Patriots releasing a statement that “Late [Friday] night, we received notice that a Patriots player tested positive for COVID-19. The player immediately entered self-quarantine. Several additional players, coaches and staff who have been in close contact with the player received point of care tests this morning and all were negative for COVID-19.”
It was also reported on Saturday morning that Chiefs practice squad quarterback Jordan Ta’amu had tested positive for COVID-19 and was also added to the reserve list.
The Patriots and Chiefs were scheduled to kick off Sunday at 4:25 p.m., at Arrowhead Stadium however the NFL has announced the New England-Kansas City game will be rescheduled to Monday or Tuesday.
The NFL, just before 1 p.m. on Saturday made the announcement in an email and in a second email the NFL said, “In consultation with infectious disease experts, both clubs are working closely with the NFL and the NFLPA to evaluate multiple close contacts, perform additional testing and monitor developments. All decisions will be made with the health and safety of players, team and gameday personnel as our primary consideration.”
The Patriots released a statement just before noon on Saturday and they said, “We are in close consultation with the NFL, as well as our team of independent doctors and specialists, and will follow their guidance regarding our scheduled trip to Kansas City and game against the Chiefs. The health and safety of our team, as well as our opponent, are of highest priority.”
The Patriots were suppose to depart for Kansas City at 1 p.m. on Saturday but as of now they have not departed and say that they are awaiting guidance from the NFL.
Just because Newton has tested positive for COVID-19, does not mean that the Patriots season is now turned upside down. At the quarterback position the Patriots still have Jarrett Stidham, Brian Hoyer and Jake Dolegala. One of these three will have to start against the defending Super Bowl champions.
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