Several Pats had close contact with Gilmore
Several Pats had high-risk close contact with Gilmore before positive test
No matter the encouraging news of recent days, the patriots aren’t out of the woods just yet.
The NFL’s contact tracing identified multiple pats players as “high-risk close contacts” with stephon gilmore before he tested positive for covid19 late tuesday night, according to the nfl network.
The close contact most likely occurred during the team’s trip to Kansas City on Monday. Gilmore shared two flights, two bus rides, a hotel, a cramped locker room and playing field throughout the day with teammates and coaches.
The team produced all negative tests Friday morning and again worked remotely during the day. The Patriots will continue to be tested every day for COVID-19 leading up to Monday’s kickoff against the Broncos, with each round’s results becoming available the next morning. Following the median four- to five-day incubation period for COVID-19, the most telling test results should come Sunday and Monday, though it’s possible a positive test could also surface later or as early as today.
People infected with COVID-19 can be contagious before they test positive and/or experience symptoms. Research has suggested a person carrying COVID-19 may actually be most contagious in the 48 hours before knowing
they’re infected. Last Monday’s game kicked off after the NFL declined to wait until it could reasonably be assumed Cam Newton, who tested positive three days before, did not spread the virus within the Pats organization.
He and Gilmore shared dinner one week ago, according to ESPN.
They both remain on the team’s COVID-19 reserve list, along with practice-squad defensive lineman Bill Murray. In order to be activated for kickoff, Gilmore must produce two negative PCR tests separated by 24 hours and receive approval from
a team physician. Newton must simply receive approval from a team physician, even if he’s symptomatic, having waited 10 days since his positive test.
Pats back to practice
The Patriots are planning to practice for the first time in a full week today starting at 10:30 a.m. outside Gillette Stadium. Players and coaches have worked remotely for three straight days after Bill Belichick shut down the facility starting Wednesday morning. The team’s preparation for Monday’s game against the Broncos has thus far consisted entirely of virtual meetings and film study.
Belichick is scheduled to speak with reporters at 8 a.m. today, followed by five virtual player interviews at 12:45 p.m. The team also plans to hold a walk
through on Sunday.
Broncos prepping for Cam
Unlike his counterpart in New England, Broncos head coach Vic Fangio is open about topics that otherwise might affect his team’s competitive advantage.
On Wednesday, he ruled out several of Denver’s injured players, who otherwise could have been listed as limited in practice every day leading up to kickoff.
On Friday, Fangio shared how the Broncos have been preparing this week for an offense with a question mark at quarterback. His answer: They fully expect to see Newton.
“We’ve been under that assumption the whole time that (Newton) would be playing,” Fangio said. “And then (we’ll) adjust if he’s not, just like Kansas
City did last week when he got the late positive test in the week. Just like Pittsburgh did against us when (quarterback) Drew (Lock) got hurt in the second series, just like you have to do every week in case the starter doesn’t play for whatever reason.
“So, we’re anticipating Newton playing but we’ll be ready if he’s not the quarterback.”
While his health and game status are presently unknown, Newton has been participating in virtual meetings this week. Belichick canceled practices Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, while instructing the team to work remotely once star cornerback Gilmore also tested positive for the virus.
If Newton cannot play Monday, the Patriots will start either Brian Hoyer or Jarrett Stidham. Both saw
action at Kansas City, with Hoyer starting and Stidham replacing him late in the third quarter.
Edelman headlines same injury report
For the third straight day, the Patriots published the same projected injury report Friday.
Wide receiver Julian Edelman (knee), left tackle Isaiah Wynn (calf), right guard Shaq Mason (calf) and defensive tackle Adam Butler (shoulder) all would have been limited had the Pats practiced.
In Denver, Lock was limited with the same right shoulder injury. Lock sprained his AC joint in Week 2 at Pittsburgh and hasn’t played since. Tight end Noah Fant and rookie wide receiver KJ Hamler did not practice this week, indicating they will not play Monday.