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The New England Patriots have had a tough 5-7 days, and next week isn’t looking much better at this point.
More COVID-19-Related Reschedulings
The Patriots were originally scheduled to take on the Denver Broncos on Sunday, but much like this week, the game has been rescheduled for the following evening.
Last week, starting quarterback Cam Newton tested positive for COVID-19 and the matchup with the Kansas City Chiefs was moved from Sunday to Monday night. The Patriots lost that game 36-20.
The following day, star cornerback and reigning Defensive Player of the Year, Stephon Gilmore tested positive for COVID-19.
No other Patriots player has tested positive on Wednesday or Thursday, so the NFL has officially rescheduled the Week 5 clash with the Broncos for Monday night.
Will the Patriots Be Prepared?
Gilmore’s positive test has kept the Patriots off the practice field Wednesday and Thursday, and the team will not practice on Friday.
Per Andrew Callahan of the Boston Herald, the Patriots have been and will continue to work remotely with hopes of practicing on Saturday ahead of the game on Monday.
Source confirms the #Patriots will work remotely again tomorrow and hold virtual meetings. The hope is to practice on Saturday.
Needless to say, that is far from ideal. The Broncos aren’t going to be mistaken for the Chiefs anytime soon, but they’re still an NFL team that hasn’t had their practice schedule disrupted nearly as much.
However, they are apparently angered by the rescheduling that will essentially bring their Week 5 and 6 games uncomfortably close together. Defensive lineman Shelby Harris took to Twitter to voice his displeasure:
Why are we getting punished when we did nothing wrong. Pats go on a bye next week and we are stuck on a short week playing the dolphins help it make sense
He has a point, but it would seem the Patriots are the team being placed in the toughest situation. Not only will they potentially be without their best players on both sides of the ball, but they also have to prepare for an angry, fired-up foe that will have practiced and prepared an extra day for the matchup.
The Patriots could also carry some level of anxiety onto the field as the entire team hopes to avoid an outbreak similar to the one that ripped through the Tennessee Titans organization.
It’s not an ideal setup for anyone involved, but barring more positive tests from either team, the game will take place on Monday.
Also Read:
- Tom Brady Clowned For Inexcusable Error and ‘Sore-Loser’ Behavior
- Patriots Vs. Broncos Gets New Date and Time
- Cam Newton Has a Strong Message While He Recovers From COVID-19
- NFL Made ‘Unforgivable’ Decision Ahead of Patriots Vs. Chiefs
- Patriots Insider Calls For Team to Add Star WR in Blockbuster Trade