The Chiefs vs. Patriots game has been postponed after Cam Newton tested positive for COVID-19.
Per Adam Schefter and Field Yates, New England Patriots quarterback Cam Newton has tested positive for COVID-19 and has been ruled out for the team’s Week 4 game against the Kansas City Chiefs. Newton has been placed on the COVID-19/reserve list.
According to Ian Rapoport, the positive case is isolated to just Newton. The Patriots have been doing mass testing and re-testing and have not seen any spread, but regardless their game against the Kansas City Chiefs is not happening as scheduled. Instead, it will be played in the next day or two, as per the latest word from the NFL.
It’s Monday or Tuesday for Patriots and Chiefs. But from what I’m hearing Tuesday seems more likely with so much needed to be figured out tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/TdYtfbCqlY
— James Palmer (@JamesPalmerTV) October 3, 2020
The Patriots trip to Kansas City was scheduled to leave this afternoon, but is now postponed as they wait for further testing results and the NFL to provide guidance. Per Dianna Russini, the Patriots sent the entire team home this morning and told them to be on standby.
The Patriots have released the following statement regarding the incident:
Statement from the New England Patriots. pic.twitter.com/eSTUukh5vl
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) October 3, 2020
This news comes after the Tennessee Titans and Pittsburgh Steelers game was postponed following the Titans’ COVID-19 outbreak.
If the game ends up being played, the Patriots will be relying on backup quarterbacks Brian Hoyer and Jarrett Stidham to man the helm. The last time the Chiefs faced off against Brian Hoyer, it was a wild card game against the Houston Texans in 2016. Hoyer ended up throwing 4 interceptions and the Chiefs won 30-0.
Jarrett Stidham was drafted in the 4th round of the 2019 NFL Draft and has only briefly seen playing time in one game, when he came in as a rookie against the Carolina Panthers. Stidham completed 2/4 passes for 14 yards and 1 interception in that short time.
More details to come on whether or not more players have been affected and what that means for the teams’ ability to play each other.