The ongoing coronavirus pandemic continues to linger in the background of the 2020 NFL season and now the implications of positive tests have arrived to impact the Miami Dolphins. No, there are no active COVID-19 cases on the Dolphins’ roster or in their organization. No, the Dolphins’ previously scheduled Week 6 opponent, the Denver Broncos, aren’t mired down by the virus either. But the Broncos have not been cleared to play the New England Patriots this weekend as the Patriots grapple with the virus.
The end result? Miami’s Week 6 contest has been rescheduled. And now, courtesy of ESPN’s Adam Schefter, we know what the rumored plan of attack is for the NFL as they look to pivot and readjust their expectations for the schedule. Most prominent to the Dolphins?
A Week 6 bye and a date with the Broncos during Miami’s previously scheduled bye in Week 11.
Here’s the plan, per sources, which is tied to Tennessee being able to play:
🏈Broncos-Patriots next Sunday.
🏈Week 8 (what was supposed to be Denver bye): Chargers at Broncos.
🏈Week 11 (scheduled Miami bye) Dolphins at Broncos.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 11, 2020
This is sure to not be the last adjustment the NFL must make in scheduling amid the COVID-19 pandemic. But for the Dolphins, this is a significant change as it removes all possible wiggle room for Miami without having to add additional weeks to the schedule. If another Dolphins opponent, or the Dolphins themselves, see an uptick in cases of the virus, the NFL will be greatly challenged to pivot once again.
If you’re looking for a silver lining for an unexpected bye week, it may build the Dolphins the bridge they need to make that much anticipated change at quarterback. But first we’ll need to see how today goes in San Francisco against the 49ers. The Dolphins and 49ers kickoff at 4:05 PM EST.