UPDATE, 10:50 am: ESPN’s Field Yates reports (via Twitter) that the Patriots/Chiefs are not expected to play tomorrow at 4:25 pm ET. Rapoport adds that one option is moving the game to Monday night. Schefter tweets that in that scenario, the Patriots would leave for Kansas City tomorrow.
10:11 am: Cam Newton‘s out for Week 4. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports (via Twitter) that the Patriots quarterback has tested positive for COVID-19, has been added to the COVID-19/reserve list, and is out Sunday against the Chiefs.
This is an isolated case, and no other Patriots players have tested positive, per NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport on Twitter. Schefter adds that the organization has been doing “mass testing and re-testing.” However, Schefter also tweets that the team will no longer be traveling to Kansas City at 1:00 pm today as originally planned; instead, they’re “on standby as they await more test results and guidance from the NFL.”
“Late last night, we received notice that a Patriots player tested positive for COVID-19,” the team said in a statement. “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.
“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.”
After inking a one-year deal with New England this past offseason, Newton has led the team to a 2-1 start to the 2020 campaign. The 31-year-old has completed 68.1-percent of his pass attempts for 714 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions. He’s been an even bigger threat running the ball, compiling 149 rushing yards and four touchdowns on 35 carries.
The Patriots will now enter this weekend’s matchup against the defending Super Bowl champs with either Jarrett Stidham or Brian Hoyer under center. The 24-year-old Stidham was once expected to take over the starting gig following Tom Brady‘s defection, but the signing of Newton naturally changed things. The former fourth-round hasn’t seen the field yet in 2020, and he completed two of four passes for 14 yards and a pick during his three appearances in 2019.
Hoyer has had multiple stints with New England dating back to 2009. The 34-year-old got into four contests last season (one start) with the Colts, connecting on 53.8-percent of his passes for 372 yards, four touchdowns, and four interceptions.
Uh oh
Cam newton test positive for the Trump virus
China Virus
Did China force us to not take it seriously over and over again?
Da fuc???
How is this game even going to happen? Rapid test everyone on the Pats multiple times?
I wouldn’t play the game this week.
Of course he did. Is anyone surprised?
What is this supposed to mean?
They’re making baseless comments, reaching for people to react to their comments. Just ignore the trolls.
Well, no not really: look at the 4 major leagues- NHL, NBA, MLB, and NFL. The NHL and NBA went to a bubble and had no tests for the entire duration. The other two leagues decided to travel around the country (one, the MLB, with what seemed like extremely lax protocols) and this is what is happening. So, the original comment isn’t exactly wrong, but maybe being player specific isn’t a good idea… unless it’s believed that Newton was going around town unmasked, then yeah his comment is exactly right, but with no context I can see how you’d consider it baseless.
You obviously haven’t followed his career? Start in his college days before Auburn (around the stolen laptop days would be a good starting point) stuff like this just seems to follow this guy. Not saying it’s his fault but some people you just are t surprised have things happen to them. He’s one of them
that’s funny I forgot the time he caught a virus causing a global pandemic at Auburn.
As a black man who believes BLM I want Cam to succeed, but anyone who doesn’t spend the time seeing
How he ended up at Auburn with the thefts, reading about the payment issue at Auburn, seeing that he’s been such a controversial player that no one wanted to sign him this year, is ignoring that bad things just travel with Cam.
No one wanted to sign him because his health was a huge question mark and his game revolves around his physicality. And college players getting paid shouldn’t be scandalous. It should be structural while they make sacrifice their bodies to make vast amounts of money for what are supposed to be educational institutions.
“He’s been an even bigger threat running the ball, compiling 149 rushing yards and four touchdowns on 35 carries.”
How is 3.5 yards per carry good? He’s had one good game and has been progressively worse since week 1….
Because he has 4 rushing touchdowns. which is more than the 2 he has throwing. Its not that hard to understand
you undercut your point when you couldn’t do proper math.
Best comment.
If this is an isolated incident how do they know its not a false positive?
that’s possible but the protocols are likely in place till multiple negatives occur like. you can’t just assume it’s a false positive and ignore the result
I heard that Monday scenario all week. It would be surprising if Cam is the only positive by Monday but maybe it will happen.
NFL is done
The NFL seems like a place where you could at least attempt to do regional bubbles… I know the logistics would be absolutely mad, but with no or minimal fans in attendance, I don’t see why they couldn’t attempt it.
Lol no it’s not drama queen. It will be fine.
Hoyer knows the Patriots system and is a capable backup. He has a lower career interception rate than Newton.
lower career interception rate lol…man you really had to grasp at some straws for that positive spin huh? or slight against Cam whichever lol..
Stupid me for suggesting that turnover ratios were of any importance in determining game outcomes.
I’m glad you admit it ha!….Come on’ man don’t compare Cam to Brian Hoyer. Anyone can cherry pick stats for sake of argument no?
31 teams declined to offer Newton even a vet minimum contract so what does that tell you?
I’m shocked that 5 Dimes would shift the betting line 6 points on this news. It’s total disrespect for Belichick’s ability to adjust to injuries. A flood of money is about to land on the Patriots side with them now 12 1/2 point dogs.
does any of this make any sense? he played last weekend . I am sure he was tested before the game either Thursday or Friday or Saturday . then he plays . and then he gets it on what Midweek and now they hope he can play on Monday. how does that work ?? are they looking for a false positive? and what of the 14 day quarantine??