Broncos continue Week 5 prep despite uncertainty following additions to Patriots' Reserve/COVID-19 list

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ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — As the Patriots meet virtually in the wake of placing three players on the Reserve/COVID-19 list within the last five days, the Broncos aren't modifying their preparation for Sunday's game in New England.


The Patriots placed Stephon Gilmore, the 2019 Defensive Player of the Year, on the list on Wednesday and previously placed starting quarterback Cam Newton and practice squad player Bill Murray on the list, as well.


New England's Week 4 game against the Chiefs was delayed from Sunday to Monday, and both Brian Hoyer and Jarrett Stidham took snaps in place of Newton. Gilmore played in Monday's game.


The Patriots-Chiefs game was the second NFL game to be delayed due to COVID-19 this season, but it was pushed back just a day. The Titans' Week 4 matchup with the Steelers was delayed for several weeks after an outbreak in Tennessee.


Head Coach Vic Fangio said Wednesday the Broncos have not received any indication that their game would be delayed.


"I haven't been told anything along those lines," said Fangio when asked if the Broncos had been told to make contingency plans. "We're just confident that the league, along with the players' union, is going to handle everything correctly. But nothing has been done or said other than the plan is normal."


Fangio said he addressed the situation during a team meeting on Wednesday, but he doesn't expect the Broncos to be distracted by the potential uncertainty surrounding Sunday's game.


"I think these guys are good at handling adversity, moving on and focusing on the job," Fangio said. "I don't see it as a big issue that way."


Fangio also said he felt "fine" to travel to New England and said no players had expressed reservations to him about playing the Patriots this weekend if the game is played as scheduled.


"I just have a lot of confidence in the NFL and the players' union," Fangio said. "They're doing a good job working together on all of these issues. I'm sure everything will be safe for all involved, and I'm totally confident in it."