The Week 6 contest between the New England Patriots and Denver Broncos is still expected to occur on Sunday after the Pats discovered a positive COVID-19 test Friday.

New England canceled practice Friday and held virtual meetings after another player tested positive. The Patriots were also working to confirm a second positive. The news seemingly endangered Sunday's contest with Denver.

However, ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter reported the Broncos have been told to prepare to play Sunday. Schefter added the NFL does not have any contingency plan in place.

The NFL does not have many options as far as contingencies are concerned, anyway.

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New England and Denver were originally slated to meet last weekend, but multiple positive tests in the Patriots organization forced the league to move the game to Week 6. As such, both the Pats and Broncos have already had bye weeks, and there is relative inflexibility as far as scheduling is concerned.

It is possible the NFL could look to add a Week 18. Commissioner Roger Goodell did not rule out the possibility when asked earlier this week. However, the league clearly would like to finish out the schedule on time, if possible.

Saturday will be key in determining the direction of the game. If more Patriots players test positive, the NFL will be hard-pressed to force both teams to take the field. But if it turns out there was one or more false positives, the two teams will have the green light.

In any case, the Patriots and Broncos are still preparing to play on Sunday.