The New England Patriots will be without quarterback Cam Newton for the bulk of this week, because of what the team says was a "misunderstanding" about COVID-19 protocols. A statement released by the club on Monday said Newton traveled to a medical appointment - which was approved by the team - which required him to leave the New England area. During that stretch, he received daily COVID-19 tests, which all came back negative. However, because those tests were conducted away from NFL facilities, they now have to wait five days before returning to the facility.
"On Saturday, Cam Newton traveled to a club-approved medical appointment that required him to leave the New England area," the Patriots statement said. “He received daily COVID tests, all of which were negative. Due to misunderstandings about the tests being conducted away from NFL facilities, and as required by NFL-NFLPA protocol, the five-day admissions pool process before returning to Cam Will be subject. Facility. Cam will continue to participate virtually in team activities and will return to the club's facility on Thursday, August 26."
Newton tested positive for COVID-19 back in October of last season, which forced him to miss the Patriots Week 4 matchup with the Kansas City Chiefs.
The Patriots have practiced on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays this week that Newton will be sidelined. Wednesday's session is the first joint practice New England will hold with the New York Giants ahead of their season finale on Sunday. With him earlier this week, first-round rookie Mac Jones will see extended work with the first-team offense, which ultimately proves to be a valuable time for his development to replace Newton as QB1 at Foxboro could.