FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — New England Patriots quarterback Cam Newton will be away from the team until Thursday because of "misunderstandings" over COVID-19 tests "held away from NFL facilities," the club announced Monday.
According to the team's statement, Newton's absence occurred when he traveled to a Patriots-approved medical appointment, which required him to leave the New England area.
“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 to convenience," the statement read.
According to the NFL-NFLPA protocol, Tier 1 and Tier 2 individuals - including all players - are exempted from daily testing and allowed to travel if they have received the COVID-19 vaccine.
Newton will continue to participate in virtually team activities but will miss practice on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Wednesday's practice with the New York Giants at Foxborough is the first of two.
In Newton's absence, first-round pick Mac Jones moves up the depth chart, followed by veteran Brian Hoyer.
Coach Bill Belichick said earlier on Monday that Newton is the starting quarterback, but like players in any position, he will still have to reestablish that position throughout the season. Belichick said that if someone outperforms the starter or if a starter is not available then any situation can change.
Newton had taken the No. 1 rep throughout training camp as of Monday. He started both preseason games and is 12–16 passes for 152 yards, with one touchdown and no interception. He has played 29 snaps in total.
Jones has been the No. 2 quarterback, coming behind Newton in practice and in the first two preseason games. He is 26-in-38 for 233 yards, with no touchdowns and interceptions, in two preseason games. He has played 77 snaps.
Earlier in the training camp, when Newton was asked if he had been vaccinated, he declined to comment, saying it was a personal matter.
Veteran safety Devin McCourty, a longtime Patriots captain who filmed a public service announcement about vaccinations with fellow captain Matthew Slater, was asked about that Monday as it pertained to Newton's situation.
"I think I've said it a lot to people, and the short video that I and Slate did — vaccination is a personal decision. It's up to each individual," he said. "And as far as how the team sees it, and how we proceed, that's a Bill Belichick question. I think he'll tease it, and blow it out of the park. So I leave it up to Bill." I'm going and let him handle it."