Patriots, Titans Games at Risk due to ‘Relentless’ Covid

The Patriots and Titans could each have their second game in as many weeks postponed due to a Covid-19 outbreak.

It’s Week 2 of the NFL’s first outbreak and the outlook is worse, not better. The Tennessee Titans, who are under league investigation, have now returned 21 positive tests.

Their Week 4 match against the Pittsburgh Steelers has been moved to late October. Their upcoming match against the Buffalo Bills will likely also be moved, as the Titans facility remains closed. 

Reports have confirmed that Titans’ personnel have worked out outside of team facilities, which is a protocol violation. New punishments, such as fines, suspensions and draft pick forfeitures, will certainly be given to Tennessee at this point.

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Titans offensive lineman Rodger Saffold defended the player’s decision to work out together at a private school.

“Guys just don’t work out for fun this is for their lively hood, their family, their opportunity,” Saffold wrote on Twitter. 

“Say what you want but I’m standing up for my team always.”

The New England Patriots could also have their weekend game moved after they had a second player test positive. Their game against the Kansas City Chiefs was postponed a day after quarterback Cam Newton contracted the virus.

Since, cornerback Stephon Gilmore also confirmed a positive, throwing their scheduled game against the Denver Broncos into doubt. 

Elsewhere the Las Vegas Raiders, who have been disciplined for holding an outside gathering, have at least one confirmed positive. The Raiders next game is against the Chiefs, who were recently in contact with the New England Patriots, who may yet return more positives. 

Read: Roger Goodell Taking No Prisoners for Covid-19 Violations

“We just have to continue to close any loopholes,” Dr. Allen Sills, the league’s chief medical officer, said Wednesday on NFL Network. 

The league is considering adding an 18th week to the season to accommodate for all the postponed games.

“We’ve said all along, ‘We know this is going to be hard.’ This virus is a relentless opponent. It needs only a small crack. And even 90 or 95 percent with our protocols is not enough. That’s not a passing grade because that still leaves us a bit vulnerable.”