The New England Patriots were dealt with another coronavirus casualty as top cornerback Stephon Gilmore recently tested positive for COVID-19, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.
The test came less than a week after quarterback Cam Newton tested positive. Aside from Gilmore, Patriots practice squad defensive tackle Bill Murray also recently contracted the virus. The 2019 NFL Defensive Player of the Year was the only new positive on the team in testing conducted on Tuesday.
Newton was sidelined in their Week 4 matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs where veteran quarterback Brian Hoyer and sophomore gunslinger Jarrett Stidham rotated under center.
The South Carolina product in Gilmore still managed to play in game where he contributed three total tackles. The encounter ended on a 26-10 loss for the Patriots which dropped them to an even 2-2 record.
Gilmore's teammates and Chiefs players who had close contact with the cornerback may be required to isolate. Another Patriots game in Week 5 proceedings is in danger of being postponed with the recent COVID-19 developments. The league will still assess whether the team can play their scheduled home game against the Denver Broncos slated on October 11.
After three weeks of having zero positive COVID-19 cases, the league has suddenly seen an outbreak after the Week 3 game between the Tennessee Titans and the Minnesota Vikings. Hopefully, the league will be able to control the widespread of the virus in order to prevent another forced shutdown of the season.
Both Newton and Gilmore's return to the team is still yet to be determined with the two Patriots stars have been recently placed on the team's Reserve/COVID-19 list.
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