Report: No New Positive COVID-19 Tests for Patriots and Titans, Both Teams Reopen Facilities
The Titans and Patriots had no new positive COVID-19 results from Friday's round of testing, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.
Both teams reopened their facilities on Saturday following outbreaks within their organizations. New England practiced in person after virtually working out on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, while Tennesse returned to their building for the first time since Sept. 29.
Patriots coach Bill Belichick said quarterback Cam Newton and cornerback Stephon Gilmore wouldn't practice on Saturday, but he dodged questions about who will start against the Broncos on Monday if Newton is still out.
"I'm not getting into a bunch of hypotheticals. We're taking it day by day, hour by hour," Belichick told reporters on a call, per ESPN.
Belichick started veteran backup Brian Hoyer in the Patriots' 26–10 loss the Chiefs on Monday but pulled him in the third quarter for Jarrett Stidham.
Newton, Gilmore and practice squad defensive tackle Bill Murray remain on New England's reserve/COVID-19 list. After Gilmore tested positive on Wednesday, the Patriots' Week 5 game was moved to Monday night.
During his conference call with reporters, Belichick revealed that it was his decision to close the team's facility this week.
"I feel like I had to make the decisions on what's best for our football team, and what's best for our football team is the health and safety of our team," he said. "That's our No. 1 priority. Without that, we don't have a team.
"We have to maintain, I'd say, the integrity of not only our football team but also the extended team–our families and the loved ones for every member of our team."
In Tennessee, the Titans have registered 23 cases of positive tests since late September, including 13 from players. The team's Week 4 game against the Steelers and Week 5 contest against the Bills were rescheduled as a result of the outbreak.
Coach Mike Vrabel addressed reporters on Saturday afternoon and said the team has enhanced safety protocols for their return.
"I along with the players and staff would like to tell you how excited we are to get back into the building. We would also like to thank the NFL and NFLPA for their investigation and help [to] us get safely get back into the building," he said.
Vrabel added that the team moved 30 lockers to their indoor practice bubble to create more space in the locker room, players must have a POC rapid test to enter the building and everyone must wear face masks during in-person meetings.
