Patriots cancel practice after positive COVID-19 test

Perhaps wait to bet on Sunday’s game in Gillette Stadium

COVID-19 struck the Patriots for the past three weeks, forcing them to reschedule.  Unfortunately, they might be missing another week of action for the same reason.

According to ESPN’s Mike Reiss and Field Yates, the Patriots canceled Friday’s practice and player interviews after a positive COVID-19 test appeared earlier that morning. The team is still waiting for confirmation on a second positive test for clarification.

New England (3-2) is set to face Denver in Foxborough on Sunday. The game was originally scheduled for Week 5 prior to starting defensive tackle Byron Cowart tested positive two days before kickoff.

Thursday was the first day New England returned to hands-on practice after last week’s outbreak. The facility was closed Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, before players returned Wednesday for conditioning. Earlier this month, Patriots quarterback Cam Newton tested positive for COVID-19 and missed a Week 4 showdown against the Kansas City Chiefs.

New England becomes the third team this week to shut down its facility due to a COVID-19 scare. On Thursday, the Atlanta Falcons shut down their complex after a member of the staff tested positive. On Friday morning, the Indianapolis Colts made headlines after four members of the staff tested positive on the initial test.

Both teams have been cleared to return to the facilities and are expected to play Sunday against the Vikings and Bengals, respectively.

New England was scheduled to be on a bye in Week 6, while the Broncos was set to host the Miami Dolphins. Denver’s game against Miami was moved to Week 11 for the time being. Both Newton and Denver’s second-year quarterback Drew Lock were expected to play entering the week.

The Patriots have yet to confirm Reiss’ report as of Friday afternoon.