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After Cam Newton tested positive for COVID-19 on Saturday, the Patriots‘ Week 4 game against the Chiefs seemed unlikely to happen.

The Titans and Steelers already postponed their game this week due to multiple positive tests in Tennessee. If there were any other positives in New England, the upcoming game would surely be postponed to another week. Luckily for the Patriots, though, all other tests came back negative ahead of Week 4. The highly anticipated matchup is back on, and it makes the Monday Night Football lineup a must-watch double-header.

Cam Newton tested positive for COVID-19 prior to Week 4

The NFL went three weeks without any issues related to COVID-19. Only one player tested positive before Week 4, and no games were postponed or canceled due to the virus.

But that just changed in a big way. The Titans and Steelers were forced to postpone their Week 4 matchup after numerous Tennessee players and staff members tested positive this week. Then, the Patriots were hit with some terrible news of their own.

Cam Newton, who’s been incredible for New England this season, tested positive for the virus on Saturday. The positive test put the Patriots’ game against the Chiefs in jeopardy, but good news just came out of New England on Sunday.

The Patriots and Chiefs will now play on Monday night

After the Newton news swept the football world, the Patriots Week 4 matchup against the Chiefs was postponed from Sunday afternoon. There was doubt across the NFL that the game would even be played this week, but we finally have a scheduled time for the heavyweight bout.

The Patriots and Chiefs will now play on Monday night at 7:05 p.m. ET, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. After holding their breath for the last 24 hours, Patriots fans have to be excited about playing a game this week, even if their starting quarterback will be out.

Brian Hoyer will start the game for the Patriots, but it wouldn’t be shocking to see Jarrett Stidham get some reps under center. The matchup isn’t as enticing without Newton, but Bill Belichick against Andy Reid is always must-watch television.

The Monday Night Football lineup is now a double-header

There’s nothing wrong with extra football, and that’s exactly what we’ll be getting on Monday night.

The Packers and Falcons were already scheduled to play on Monday Night Football on ESPN, but now the Patriots and Chiefs will be joining them in the lineup. New England and Kansas City will kick off at 7:05 p.m. ET, and the Packers and Falcons will be pushed back to 8:50 p.m. ET.

Football fans are usually treated to just one game on Monday nights, but they’ll be getting an added bonus with two of the best teams in the AFC squaring off before Aaron Rodgers and the Packers go for a 4-0 start to the season.

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Staff Writer

Jack Dougherty

Writing professionally since 2015, Jack Dougherty spent six years as a sportswriter with publications such as GoPSUSports.com, the Centre Daily Times, and the Associated Press before joining Sportscasting in 2020. He covers the NBA, the NFL, and the world of golf extensively and has added expertise on any team located in or around his hometown of Philadelphia. Yes, that includes the Philadelphia Eagles, the Philadelphia 76ers, and Philadelphia Phillies.

When Jack isn’t writing about sports, he’s watching them or playing them as he regularly heads to the gym for some pickup basketball or the golf course to hit the links. He’s also an avid participant in the sports betting scene who worked at a casino sportsbook for a year and learned the ins and outs of the industry before bringing his expertise to Sportscasting with one excellent gambling recommendation after another.