Report: Patriots cancel Friday's practice after more COVID-19 issues

The New England Patriots canceled practice Friday after a player tested positive for COVID-19, reports NFL Network's Mike Giardi.

New England, which encountered COVID-19 issues throughout the last two weeks, is awaiting confirmation on one other positive test, according to ESPN's Mike Reiss and Field Yates.

The Patriots are supposed to face the Denver Broncos on Sunday in a game that was postponed from Week 5. The contest remains on track to be played as scheduled and contingency plans haven't been discussed, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter.

The Patriots reopened their facilities Wednesday and held their first practice of the week Thursday following a multi-day closure designed to stymie a possible COVID-19 spread.

Defensive tackle Byron Cowart had been the most recent Patriot to test positive, with his result coming Oct. 10, two days before the team was set to play the Broncos.

The Patriots activated quarterback Cam Newton, cornerback Stephon Gilmore, and defensive tackle Bill Murray from the COVID-19 reserve before Thursday's practice.

New England and Denver both had their byes moved to Week 5 in light of the Patriots' recent infections.

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