It’s been quite the week for the New England Patriots.
After Cam Newton tested positive for COVID-19 last weekend and the game against the Chiefs being pushed back one day, the team flew to Kansas City and back all in the same day last Monday.
Then in the coming days, practice squad defensive tackle Bill Murray and cornerback Stephon Gilmore were placed on the COVID list.
The Gillette Stadium facility was shut down Wednesday and Thursday and then Bill Belichick decided to keep it closed Friday. Then team returned and practiced Saturday before another positive test (reportedly defensive tackle Byron Cowart) came back Saturday night/Sunday morning.
Sunday’s game against the Broncos had already been moved to Monday, but then was rescheduled for next Sunday following the latest positive test.
As a result, the Patriots have lost their bye week as Week 6 was supposed to be their bye.
While it isn’t a huge deal in terms of only being one week difference, the real issue is the Patriots prepared this past week as if they were playing a game. Because of this, they really won’t have a true bye week this year.
The facility will remain closed Monday and Tuesday and the team is scheduled to return Wednesday to begin its preparations (once again) for the Broncos.
Because of this week’s game being pushed back a week, it gives Newton and Gilmore an extra week to get cleared to play. With both being asymptomatic, it seems more likely than not they will be able to return, although nothing can be assumed with the virus.
With all that being said, it seems many of the Patriots players, and organization for that matter, have lost some trust in the league when it comes to having the players’ best interest in mind -- Jason McCourty said as much when speaking on Saturday.
If tests continue to come back negative, the Patriots will return to the facility for a normal week Wednesday, but if more positive tests arise, it sure will be interesting to see what happens as it’s become clear the Patriots are valuing safety much more than the league.
