NEW ENGLAND – The New England Patriots and the Kansas City Chiefs matchup, which was scheduled for a 4:25 p.m. ET kick-off on Sunday, will be rescheduled to Monday or Tuesday after positive COVID-19 tests on both teams.
New England, in a statement on Saturday, said in consultation with infectious disease experts, both teams are working closely with the NFL and the NFLPA to evaluate multiple close contacts, perform additional testing and monitor developments.
All decisions will be made with the health and safety of players, team and gameday personnel as our primary consideration.
The release was made available, following the news that a Patriot player tested positive for COVID-19.
Multiple reports on Saturday morning identified the player as quarterback Cam Newton, who tested positive for the virus on Friday and has been ruled out of the class with the Chiefs.
The statement also revealed that the player had entered self-quarantine, while tests of players, coaches and staff that had been in close contact with that player have so far all returned negative result for COVID-19.
“Late last night, we received notice that a Patriots player tested positive for COVID-19. The player immediately entered self-quarantine,” Patriots said on its website.
“Several additional players, coaches and staff who have been in close contact with the player received point of care tests this morning and all were negative for COVID-19.
“We are in close consultation with the NFL, as well as our team of independent doctors and specialists, and will follow their guidance regarding our scheduled trip to Kansas City and game against the Chiefs. The health and safety of our team, as well as our opponent, are of highest priority.”
If the game does go on, Brian Hoyer is expected to start as the quarterback against the Chiefs.
The Patriots are 2-1 on the season, while Kansas City is 3-0 to start the defense of its Super Bowl title.
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