Report: Broncos-Patriots moved to Week 6 after positive tests
The NFL is moving the New England Patriots' game on Monday against the Denver Broncos to next Sunday after COVID-19 tests revealed an additional positive result in the Patriots organization, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.
Both teams' byes will now take place this week. While the Patriots initially had a bye in Week 6, Denver was scheduled to play the Miami Dolphins. That contest will reportedly be rescheduled to Week 11 - Miami's bye - as a result.
Here’s the plan, per sources, which is tied to Tennessee being able to play:
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 11, 2020
🏈Broncos-Patriots next Sunday.
🏈Week 8 (what was supposed to be Denver bye): Chargers at Broncos.
🏈Week 11 (scheduled Miami bye) Dolphins at Broncos.
The league announced that Monday's contest would be postponed but have yet to confirm the new date officially.
"The decision was made to ensure the health and safety of players, coaches, and game day personnel and in consultation with medical experts," the NFL said in a statement.
New England's facility was shut down Sunday morning following its fourth positive test in the last eight days. Defensive tackle Byron Cowart is the latest player to test positive, sources told Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio.
Bill Belichick's squad held a walkthrough practice Saturday after working remotely Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday following positive test results from cornerback Stephon Gilmore and practice squad defensive tackle Bill Murray.
On Oct. 3, starting quarterback Cam Newton became the first Patriots player to test positive for COVID-19 this season. He missed the team's Week 4 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, and his COVID-19 result required additional testing that led the NFL to push that game back from Sunday to Monday.
This is the second time the New England-Denver game has been rescheduled. It was initially slated for Sunday before getting moved to Monday due to coronavirus concerns on the Patriots side.