Pats return to field after bizarre week

FOXBOROUGH, MASS. » The New England Patriots were forced to prepare for two opponents this week — the Broncos, and COVID- 19.

A handful of positive tests — including quarterback Cam Newton and cornerback Stephon Gilmore — led to the closure of the Patriots’ facilities for three days and the postponement of Sunday’s scheduled home game against Denver to Monday.

New England was able to return to the practice field Saturday for a walkthrough — its only opportunity all week to meet in person and scheme for the Broncos.

“We’re literally taking this — I wouldn’t even say day by day, it’s more hour by hour,” coach Bill Belichick said. “We’ll continue to move forward, but at the same time know that we have to be ready to change, adjust and adapt as the situation calls for.”

Newton tested positive for COVID- 19 ahead of last week’s showdown at Kansas City, leading the league to move the game from Sunday night to Monday. On Wednesday, Gilmore confirmed his diagnosis on Wednesday in a post on social media.

Neither practiced on Saturday and Belichick would not speculate on their availability for Monday’s game.

“I’m not getting into a bunch of hypotheticals,” Belichick said.

Bill Murray, a defensive tackle on the team’s practice squad, also tested positive for COVID- 19 earlier in the week.

The Patriots returned no positive tests Saturday and were given the all- clear by the league to resume inperson team activities, a person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press.

“It’s definitely been frustrating. The one thing we’re accustomed to as players is you become kind of routine- oriented,” cornerback Jason McCourty said.

“Each Wednesday’s a Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and follow through throughout the course of the weekend. … Here we are just two days out from a game getting our first practice in.”

McCourty said he and others are taking extra precautions leading up to Monday afternoon’s game against the Broncos, including staying in hotels away from their families to quarantine.

“Throughout all of this, ( it has been) the realization that it’s not a leaguewide thing — it’s kind of a team thing,” McCourty said.

“The people that don’t have to walk in our building, whether it’s the league office, whether it’s the ( NFL Players Association) — they don’t care.”