By Matt Dolloff, 985TheSportsHub.com
It’s officially all systems go for the Patriots and Chiefs. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Monday morning that the Pats’ overnight COVID-19 tests all came back negative, and now the team is headed for the airport to fly out to Kansas City, reportedly using two separate planes.
The Chiefs also have had no new positive tests, so the game is on after just a one-day delay. Patriots-Chiefs will kick off Monday night at 7:05, but the TV broadcast will air on CBS. Monday Night Football between the Packers and Falcons was moved back to 8:50 to accommodate Patriots-Chiefs.
MORE: Cam Newton addresses positive COVID test
According to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, the NFL is investigating whether the Patriots violated any COVID-19 protocols. The same goes for the Tennessee Titans, who had 20 positive tests over the past week, which forced them to postpone their game against the Steelers to Week 7.
Patriots quarterback Cam Newton, who tested positive for COVID last Friday to start the whole chain of events, remains out for the game and will need to go five days with no symptoms in order to return to the team. If he shows symptoms, he’ll need to wait at least 10 days. The Patriots are bringing practice squad QB Jake Dolegala on the trip.
Brian Hoyer is the likely starter for New England. Jarrett Stidham, who was inactive for the first three games of the 2020 season, will back him up. Monday night would mark Hoyer’s first-ever start as a member of the Patriots in three stints with the team.
Matt Dolloff is a digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Yell at him on Twitter @mattdolloff or send him a nasty email at matthew.dolloff@bbgi.com.