Do not expect a Cam Newton “Outfit of the Week”, unless you were anticipating hospital scrubs. ESPN reported that the New England Patriots had one player test positive for coronavirus, quarterback Cam Newton. He is listed as out for a game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead in Kansas City.
As of Saturday morning, the New England Patriots at Kansas City Chiefs game will not play as scheduled on Sunday afternoon. The NFL could postpone the game to possibly Monday or Tuesday.
During the first three games of the season, Brian Hoyer acted as Newton’s backup QB with Jarret Stidham as the third-stringer. If the game proceeds, Hoyer will most likely get tapped by Bill Belichick to start.
Most importantly, coach Belichick tested negative.
“In consultation with infectious disease experts, both clubs are working closely with the NFL and the NFLPA to evaluate multiple close contacts, perform additional testing and monitor developments,” said the NFL in a statement. “All decisions will be made with the health and safety of players, team and gameday personnel as our primary consideration.”
This outbreak with the Patriots marks the second outbreak within a team since the NFL season began. The Tennessee Titans are fighting to contain an outbreak within their team that infected eight players and eight staff members. The NFL postponed Week 4’s Game between the Titans and Pittsburgh Steelers until Week 7.
Quick Line Move, Then Off the Board
Westgate SuperBook in Las Vegas was the first sports book to move the line. The Patriots were +7 underdogs heading into Kansas City tomorrow. Westgate moved the line from Kansas City -7 to KC -11.
Of course, that’s if the two teams play this week. The NFL has yet to make a decision about the game. They could play a primetime game on Monday night or Tuesday night. This all depends on more testing within the Patriots organization and how the suits at the NFL want to proceed.
Every sports book has since taken the Kansas City/New England game off the board until further notice.
NFL Week 4 only had three late games on the docket. One of them was KC/NE. The NFL moved one of the early games — Indianapolis Colts and Chicago Bears — to the afternoon to fill the empty hole.
Superman Infected
The Patriots signed Cam Newton just before the season began to replace Tom Brady, after the Hall of Famer jumped ship to Tampa Bay.
New England and Newton faced a huge test in Week 4 on the road against the reigning Super Bowl champions Kansas City.
The Patriots started the season 2-1 with Newton. Their sole loss came against the Seattle Seahawks on a goal line stand to end the game in Week 2.
In three games with New England, Newton passed for 714 yards and 2 touchdowns. He also added 149 rushing yards and 4 touchdowns. Only two other players scored more rushing touchdowns than Newton this season.
“It was only a matter of time before Cam got hurt, he’s wicked fragile,” said New England Patriots season ticket holder Marco Esquondoles. “Didn’t think it’d be that Corona. What a bummah.”
Newton’s career with the Carolina Panthers fizzled out last season after he returned from shoulder surgery, but struggled to play with a nagging foot injury.
For now, the Pats placed Newton on the reserve/COVID list until he recovers from coronavirus.
Update: KC’s Ta’amu Positive
Kansas City revealed that their practice squad QB Jordan Ta’amu also tested positive for coronavirus. KC placed him on the COVID/reserve list.