‘Misunderstanding’ of COVID-19 testing away from facilities to prevent New England Patriots’ Cam Newton from entering until Thursday



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FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – New England Patriots quarterback Cam Newton will stay away from the squad until Thursday due to a “misunderstanding” of COVID-19 tests “carried out away from NFL facilities,” announced Monday the club.

Newton’s absence comes after he attended a Patriots-approved medical appointment that required him to leave the New England area, according to the team’s statement.

“He received daily Covid tests, all of which were negative. Due to a misunderstanding of testing performed outside of NFL facilities, and as required by NFL-NFLPA protocols, Cam will go through the cadence process. entry five days before returning to the facility, ”the statement read.

According to NFL-NFLPA protocols, individuals in Levels 1 and 2 – including all players – are exempt from daily testing and allowed to travel if they have received the COVID-19 vaccine.

Newton will continue to participate virtually in team activities, but will miss practice Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Wednesday’s practice is the first of two with the New York Giants at Foxborough.

In Newton’s absence, first-round pick Mac Jones moves up the depth table, followed by veteran Brian Hoyer.

Coach Bill Belichick said earlier Monday that Newton is the starting quarterback, but like players in any position, he has yet to reestablish that position throughout the preseason. Belichick said there could be a change in any position if someone does better than the starter or if the starter is not available.

Newton had taken the No.1 reps throughout training camp until Monday. He started both preseason games and has 12 of 16 passes for 152 yards, with one touchdown and no interceptions. He played a total of 29 snaps.

Jones was the No. 2 quarterback, coming in behind Newton in practice and in the first two preseason games. He has 26 of 38 passes for 233 yards, without touchdowns or interceptions, in two preseason games. He played 77 snaps.

Earlier in training camp, when asked if Newton was vaccinated, he declined to comment, saying it was a personal matter.

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