FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – SEPTEMBER 13: Cam Newton #1 of the New England Patriots runs with the ball during the first half against the Miami Dolphins at Gillette Stadium on September 13, 2020 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Cam Newton is the latest NFL player to test positive for COVID-19
The Tennessee Titans have been forced to postpone their game against the Pittsburgh Steelers this week, and their Week 4 matchup with the Buffalo Bills is in jeopardy. However, they’re not the only organization now dealing with the effects of the pandemic. Per Adam Schefter, New England Patriots QB Cam Newton has tested positive for the virus. Per NFL protocol, he won’t play in their much-anticipated matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday afternoon.
Without Newton, the Patriots chances are slim to none. The Chiefs were already heavily favored and for good reason, having just hammered the Baltimore Ravens on a national stage. The Patriots and Bill Belichick pose a similar challenge, but without their starting quarterback, the Chiefs advantage only increases.
The New England Patriots will have to undergo further testing and contact tracing
Per league protocol, the Patriots will ensure no other members of their team have contracted the virus before game time on Sunday, or that matchup will join Steelers-Titans as postponed Week 4 contests. This will include contact tracing and further testing with a quick turnaround, all of which the NFL has access to thanks to their trainers and medical teams.
Assuming the game can be played, the Patriots will likely turn to Brian Hoyer or Jarrett Stidham. Hoyer is listed a the backup on the Patriots depth chart, and his veteran status makes for a calmer setting, even if New England is now vastly overmatched. Having Stidham make such a start doesn’t appear to open any path to victory.
We’ll have more information on this story as it develops.