FOXBOROUGH, Mass — FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- New England Patriots quarterback Cam Newton has tested positive for the coronavirus and is out for the Week 4 game against the Kansas City Chiefs, league sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter and Field Yates.
"Late last night, we received notice that a Patriots player tested positive for COVID-19. The player immediately entered self-quarantine," the Patriots said in a statement Saturday. "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."
The NFL said in a statement Saturday that there were "positive COVID-19 tests on both teams."
Chiefs practice squad quarterback Jordan Ta'amu tested positive as well, a source told ESPN, confirming an NFL Network report. Ta'amu serves as Kansas City's scout team quarterback and played the role of Newton in preparation for this week's game.
As a result of the positive tests, the NFL said Sunday's scheduled game will be played either Monday or Tuesday. A source told Schefter that "Tuesday is more likely."
With Newton out, the Patriots will need to find a new starting quarterback. Veteran Brian Hoyer has served as the Patriots' No. 2 quarterback through the first three weeks of the season, and 2019 fourth-round draft choice Jarrett Stidham has been third on the depth chart.
Sunday's Week 4 game between the New England Patriots and Kansas City Chiefs has been postponed in wake of multiple positive COVID-19 tests, the league announced Saturday.
"The New England-Kansas City game scheduled for 4:25 p.m. ET Sunday will be rescheduled to Monday or Tuesday after positive COVID-19 tests on both teams," the league announced in a statement. "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. All decisions will be made with the health and safety of players, team and gameday personnel as our primary consideration."
Patriots quarterback Cam Newton and Chiefs practice squad QB Jordan Ta'amu have both tested positive for COVID-19 and have been placed on the reserve/COVID list.
