New England Patriots quarterback Cam Newton is reported to have tested positive for coronavirus, and as a result will not play in the game between the team and the Kansas City Chiefs planned for this week.
The Patriots announced on Saturday that one of their players had tested positive for COVID-19 and had immediately entered self-quarantine, but did not reveal the players name.
Suggested Reading
Sources told ESPN that Newton has the virusβbut he isnβt the only NFL player to have tested positive, which has forced a reschedule of the Patriots-Chiefs Week 4 game.
From ESPN:
The NFL said in a statement Saturday that there were βpositive COVID-19 tests on both teams.β As a result of the positive tests, the NFL said Sundayβs scheduled game will be played either Monday or Tuesday. A source told Schefter that βTuesday is more likely.β
Chiefs practice squad quarterback Jordan Taβamu tested positive, a source told ESPN, confirming an NFL Network report. Taβamu serves as Kansas Cityβs scout team quarterback and played the role of Newton in preparation for this weekβs game.
With Newton out, the Patriots will need to find a new starting quarterback. This marks the first time this season that the Patriots have been affected by the coronavirus. Up to this point, they hadnβt placed a player on the COVID-19 reserve list.
The new date and time for the postponed game has yet to be confirmed.
βIn consultation with infectious disease experts, both clubs are working closely with the NFL and NFLPA to evaluate multiple close contacts, perform additional testing and monitor developments,β said the Patriots in a statement on Twitter.
βAll decisions will be made with the health and safety of players, team and gameday personnel as our primary consideration.β
The Patriots added that their players and staff who came into close contact with the team member who has COVID-19 all tested negative for coronavirus in initial tests conductedΒ on Saturday morning.
Straight From
Sign up for our free daily newsletter.