The New England Patriots were recently hit with a huge blow ahead of their Week 4 matchup after starting quarterback Cam Newton recently tested positive for COVID-19. Their opponent in the Kansas City Chiefs wasn't safe either as practice squad quarterback Jordan Ta'amu also tested positive for the dreaded virus and was added to the team's reserve list, according to NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport.

The game is now poised to be played on Tuesday which could have major implications for the schedule of the Chiefs. The reigning Super Bowl champions will have a compressed calendar in the next couple of weeks as they play 3 games in a span of 9 days. They will face the Patriots on October 6 followed by the Las Vegas Raiders on October 11, and the Buffalo Bills slated for October 15.

With Newton already confirmed to be out for their Week 4 matchup regardless of the postponement, either sophomore quarterback Jarrett Stidham or veteran gunslinger Brian Hoyer could slot in the starting position for the Patriots in lieu of his absence.

The Patriots are currently heading into Week 4 proceedings with a 2-1 record, good for the second spot in the AFC East division. On the other hand, the Chiefs are off to a hot start with a 3-0 record and listed at the top spot of the AFC West competition.

The developments in the emerging COVID-19 outbreak situation could also potentially pose a threat to the Patriots' upcoming schedule with the Chiefs on the 6th, Denver Broncos on the 11th, and the San Francisco 49ers on the 25th.