FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – New England Patriots quarterback Cam Newton will remain out of the team until Thursday due to a “misunderstanding” about COVID-19 testing “conducted outside of the NFL facilities,” he announced Monday the club.
Newton’s absence comes after traveling to a Patriots-approved medical appointment that forced him to leave the New England region, according to the team’s statement.
“He received daily Covid tests, all negative. Due to a misunderstanding about testing outside of NFL facilities, and as required by NFL-NFLPA protocols, Cam will be subject to the entry cadence process. five days before returning to the facility, “the statement said.
Under NFL-NFLPA protocols, Level 1 and Level 2 people, including all players, are exempt from daily testing and are allowed to travel if they have received the COVID-19 vaccine.
Newton will continue to participate virtually in team activities, but will be absent from practice on 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 coach Mac Jones climbs to the depth table, followed by veteran Brian Hoyer.
Coach Bill Belichick said Monday earlier that Newton is the starting quarterback, but, like players in any position, he has yet to reset that position during the preseason. Belichick said there could be a change in any position if someone performs better than the start or if the start is not available.
Newton had secured representatives no. 1 throughout the training camp until Monday. He started both preseason games and passes 12 of 16 for 152 yards, with one touchdown and no interceptions. He has played a total of 29 snapshots.
Jones has been the No. 2 quarterback, coming in behind Newton in training and in the first two preseason games. He passes 26 of 38 for 233 yards, with no touchdowns or interceptions, during two preseason games. He has played 77 snapshots.
Before the training camp, when Newton was asked if he was vaccinated, he declined to comment, saying it was a personal matter.