/https://specials-images.forbesimg.com/imageserve/5f78a5939a14c16cee15ed0e/0x0.jpg?cropX1=0&cropX2=3547&cropY1=0&cropY2=1996&w=1200&resize=1200,675&ssl=1 "Cam Newton Tests Positive For Covid-19. Patriots-Chiefs Game Now In Jeopardy.")
Topline
In the latest instance of the coronavirus striking the National Football League, New England Patriots starting quarterback Cam Newton has tested positive for Covid-19 and has been ruled out for Sunday’s game against the Kansas City Chiefs, according to multiple reports, which is expected to lead to the postponement of that contest, with it likely being rescheduled for Monday or Tuesday.
Cam Newton #1 of the New England Patriots looks on during the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at … [+]
Getty Images
Key Facts
The NFL Network reported Saturday morning that Newton has been added to the Covid-19 reserve list, which means a player either tested positive for the coronavirus or has been in “close contact” with someone who has.
The team then confirmed that “late last night, we received notice that a Patriots player tested positive for Covid-19” without naming anyone specifically.
“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,” read the Patriots statement.
According to ESPN, the Patriots were scheduled to fly to Kansas City at 1 p.m. ET Saturday, but that flight has been postponed, and “the expectation” is that the Pats-Chiefs game will not be played Sunday at 4:25 ET, as initially scheduled.
“Patriots-Chiefs game is being postponed and is expected to be played Monday or Tuesday,” tweeted ESPN’s Adam Schefter, who added, “Tuesday is more likely.”
Key Background:
After being released by the Carolina Panthers in March following an injury-riddled 2019 season, Newton inked an incentive-laden deal with New England in June that included only $550,000 guaranteed, but could be worth up to $7.5 million if certain incentive thresholds are met. A former No.1 overall pick in the 2011 draft, Newton was named All-Pro three times in Carolina and won the NFL’s MVP award in 2015, when he led the Panthers to a 15-1 record en route to a Super Bowl berth. In March, after 18 incredibly successful seasons in New England, Tom Brady announced via Instagram that he would not return to the Patriots for the 2020 campaign. The Patriots brought in Newton, 31, to compete with sophomore Jarrett Stidham and veteran Brian Hoyer at quarterback. Early last month, coach Bill Belichick announced that Newton was not only named New England’s starting quarterback but was elected a team captain as well.
Tangent:
Three more members of the Tennessee Titans reportedly tested positive for Covid-19 on Saturday, bringing the total number of people within the organization who have tested positive this week to 16. The NFL announced Thursday that the Week 4 matchup between Tennessee and the Pittsburgh Steelers was officially postponed.
Crucial Quote:
“We are in close consultation with the NFL, as well as our team of independent doctors and specialists, and will follow their guidance. The health and safety of our team, as well as our opponent, are of the highest priority,” the Patriots said in their statement.
Big Number:
62: That’s the total number of rushing touchdowns Cam Newton has scored in his career, the most by any quarterback in NFL history.
Further Reading:
Tennessee’s Covid-19 Outbreak Continues: Three More Titans Test Positive (Forbes)
Sources: New England Patriots QB Cam Newton tests positive for COVID-19 (ESPN)
/https://specials-images.forbesimg.com/imageserve/5f78a5939a14c16cee15ed0e/0x0.jpg?cropX1=0&cropX2=3547&cropY1=0&cropY2=1996&w=1200&resize=1200,0&ssl=1&description=Cam+Newton+Tests+Positive+For+Covid-19.+Patriots-Chiefs+Game+Now+In+Jeopardy.){kind=link}