Patriots Release Statement On Cam Newton’s Positive COVID-19 Test

The New England Patriots are facing yet another obstacle on their way to the Super Bowl. The team lost a lot of valuable players in free agency, including superstar quarterback Tom Brady. A group of players decided to opt-out of the 2020 NFL season due to coronavirus concerns. New England got Cam Newton and head coach Bill Belichick made him a starting quarterback. The 2015 NFL MVP had a great game in the first three weeks of the season, but the Patriots are now forced to move on without him as Newton’s COVID-19 test returned positive. The Patriots have released a statement on the COVID-19 test.

New England released a statement Saturday morning confirming one of the players’ tests returned positive. Of course, the team didn’t identify the player in the statement. Doug Kyed from NESN reported that it’s Newton as confirmed by a source. Newton will not join his team in the road game against Kansas City.

“Late last night, we received notice that a Patriots player tested positive for COVID-19,” the statement read. “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.”

Patriots release a statement to announce changes following the positive COVID-19 test

Newton is the first Patriots player to rest positive for COVID-19. The Patriots were one of the few teams that hadn’t placed one of their players on the reserve/COVID-19 list.

According to analysts, Belichick will use Brian Hoyer or Jarrett Stidham as a quarterback in the game against the Chiefs. Hoyer was Newton’s primary backup for the season. Stidham sat out the first three games as a healthy scratch.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the Patriots have delayed their departure to Kansas City.