Cam Newton has tested positive for COVID-19, causing him to miss the game between the New England Patriots and the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 4. With Newton ruled out of the game, Brian Hoyer is expected to start in his place, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
With Cam Newton out vs the #Chiefs due to a COVID-19 positive test, the #Patriots are expected to start Brian Hoyer vs KC whenever it is, sources say. Not a surprise, as he was the other QB active besides Newton.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 3, 2020
In response to Newton's positive test, the NFL has postponed the game between the Patriots and the Chiefs. Despite the positive tests of Newton and Jordan Ta'amu, the league is still planning on having the game take place on Monday or Tuesday.
If the game does happen to be played in Week 4, then Hoyer would assume the starting quarterback spot for New England. As Rapoport and Mark Daniels of the Providence Journal reports, Hoyer has been the only other active quarterback on the roster this season.
Makes sense. Brian Hoyer has been the Patriots primary backup all season. Jarrett Stidham hasn’t been active yet. https://t.co/47tNsVb1S5
— Mark Daniels (@ByMarkDaniels) October 3, 2020
Before the Patriots signed Newton in the offseason, the expectation was for Jarrett Stidham to be the No. 1 quarterback on the depth chart following the departure of Tom Brady. On the contrary, New England would sign Hoyer to provide depth, and then Newton joined the fray later in the offseason.
Even though the team held a competition in training camp, Newton easily secured the starting job. At the same time, Stidham has been unable to play this season due to an injury he suffered during training camp.
Given that, in the event that the NFL gets their wish in playing the game on Tuesday, Hoyer would man New England's offense. Though, if the game is postponed to later in the season, fans may still get a chance to see Newton square off against Patrick Mahomes.