The New England Patriots squad reportedly took two planes to Kansas City to face the Chiefs after starting quarterback Cam Newton tested positive for COVID-19.
One was for players who came in close contact with Newton and the other was for players who hadn’t been near the quarterback. Cornerback Stephon Gilmore was one of the 20 or so players on the “close contact” plane, as reported by The Athletic's Jeff Howe.
The 2019 NFL Defensive Player of the Year played in their Week 4 game against the Chiefs in which he contributed three tackles before he himself contracted the coronavirus this week.
The Patriots were a seemingly different squad without their starting quarterback at the helm. Backups Brian Hoyer and Jarrett Stidham both rotated under center but failed to get the offense going all throughout the game. The team failed to score in the first and third quarters of the game, which ultimately handed the 26-10 win to the Chiefs.
It is highly unlikely that Gilmore and Newton can make their return in time for their Week 5 matchup against the also-undermanned Denver Broncos. The game is still expected to push through as scheduled despite the emerging COVID-19 developments involving the Foxborough-based unit, but things could change in the coming days leading up to the game.
Patriots practice squad defensive tackle Bill Murray also reportedly contracted the virus as well. New England has already canceled Wednesday’s practice and will now hold all of its meetings virtually. This will certainly throw a wrench into the team's plans when it comes to preparing for the game against Denver. The Patriots are 2-2 on the season.
Meanwhile, the Titans just had two more players test positive as their outbreak continues. The NFL is trying hard to limit the spread of coronavirus, but it's proving to be difficult.
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