The NFL has hit their first wave of COVID-19 exposures. Positive cases were first reported with the Tennessee Titans on September 24th and have since increased, leading to the first coronavirus-related schedule change of the season. The Titans and Pittsburgh Steelers Week 4 matchup has been moved to Week 7.
The Titans reported 20 positive cases in total, however for the first time in a week the team stated they had zero positive tests on Monday.
As cases within Tennessee start to flatline, positive tests are now popping up in other teams including the New England Patriots, Kansas City Chiefs and Atlanta Falcons.
Cam Newton tested positive for the coronavirus on Saturday and has entered self-quarantine. Then, Stephon Gilmore followed with a positive test of his own, per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.
Newton’s Instagram post states that he will be taking this time to get healthy.
On Wednesday afternoon, Gilmore made a post of his own on Twitter:
— The Gilly Lock (@BumpNrunGilm0re) October 7, 2020
Newton and Gilmore are both reportedly asymptomatic which changes their return timelines. The quarterback and DPOY need two consecutive negative tests in order for them to step back on the field.
The NFL has also launched an investigation into the Patriots following Newton’s test, stating the league is looking into “whether the Patriots complied with all relevant (COVID) protocols,” according to ProFootballTalk’s Mike Florio.
After the positive case from Newton, the NFL moved the matchup between the Chiefs and Patriots to Monday Night Football. The league decided to rapidly test both teams ahead of tonight’s game, something that hasn’t been done in the past.
Football will be keeping a closer eye on teams as they continue to monitor cases within organizations.
Photo: (Cam Newton via Instagram)