Patriots quarterback Cam Newton out until Thursday after a ‘misunderstanding’ with Covid-19 protocols

As the New England Patriots took the practice fields Monday morning, they did so without quarterback Cam Newton. In a statement released by the team, the Patriots announced Newton will be out of practice until Thursday due to a “misunderstanding” about Covid-19 tests.

“On Saturday, Cam Newton traveled to a Club-approved medical appointment that required him to leave the New England area,” the team said in a statement.

“He received daily Covid tests, which were all negative. Due to a misunderstanding about tests conducted away from NFL facilities, and as required by the NFL-NFLPA protocols, Cam will be subject to the five-day entry cadence process before returning to the facility. Cam will continue participating virtually in team activities and return to the club facility on Thursday, August 26.”

The news indicates that Newton, who has declined to state whether he is vaccinated, is not vaccinated. Only players who are not vaccinated are forced to undergo daily Covid-19 tests and are subject to the five-day reentry process.

Newton will now miss New England’s next three practices, including Wednesday’s joint practice with the New York Giants. The veteran’s absence will allow the Patriots to get an extended look at rookie quarterback Mac Jones with the first team offense.

Newton is expected to return for Thursday’s joint practice with the Giants.