New England Patriots

Sep 13, 2020; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Cam Newton (1) runs the ball for a touch down against the Miami Dolphins during the third quarter at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports

By Alex Barth, 985TheSportsHub.com

The Patriots are starting Broncos week with positive news. It appears the team was able to contain this weekend’s COVID-19 scare to just Cam Newton. (Update: The Patriots placed practice squad defensive tackle Bill Murray on the reserve/COVID-19 list on Tuesday.)

As of Monday night, no other Patriots had tested positive, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.  After the outbreak seen in Tennessee, it was feared something similar could happen in New England, with the NFL even opening an investigation into the Patriots. Now, it looks like they’ve done the improbably, and contained COVID-19.

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On top of that, ESPN reported Tuesday morning that Newton has been asymptomatic ‘as of Monday.’ This means Newton could be eligible to return to the Patriots as soon as Thursday, and in theory could play Sunday against the Broncos.

Newton would need to turn in two negative COVID tests between now and then, so it’s far from a sure thing. But after a tough loss Monday night, all signs are encouraging for the Patriots Tuesday morning.

Alex Barth is a writer and 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. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at Alexander.Barth@bbgi.com.