It turns out the big mystery surrounding Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton’s dip in performance wasn’t really a mystery at all. The foot injury he suffered by stupidly being kept in a preseason game has likely been bothering him ever since. Now, it could cost him a start.
Newton didn’t practice Tuesday and according to the NFL Network, he may not play Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals. If he can’t go, back up Kyle Allen will start in his place. Allen was an undrafted free agent pick up out of Houston last season. He appeared in two games and started one for the Panthers as Newton sat with an injured shoulder at the end of the year.
This seems to be play Cam Newton aggravated his foot. Missed Greg Olsen by a mile on next play.
Cam was 7-of-8 passing before the throwaway, 18–of-42 after. pic.twitter.com/tPya2S3G5P— Joe Person (@josephperson) September 17, 2019
Allen did win that game, a meaningless contest against the New Orleans Saints who were also playing back ups, completing 64.5 percent of his passes for 266 yards and two touchdowns.
With the NFC South now wide open, if the Panthers’ decision to play Newton in the preseason, especially coming off shoulder issues, cost them a playoff chance, heads should roll on the coaching staff.
#Panthers QB Cam Newton is still in a walking boot today as he battles a re-aggravation of his mid-foot sprain, source says. The team will know more about his status soon. If he can practice, he’s got a shot at Sunday. If he doesn’t practice, it’s unlikely he plays.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 18, 2019
In two games this season Newton has completed 56.2 percent of his passes for 572 yards, no touchdowns and one interception. He’s rushed only five times for minus-2 yards.
Could Sam Darnold return early?
It’s not like he’s out with the plague, but the New York Jets did get some good news Tuesday on the quarterback front. Sam Darnold is back at the team facility working with the team, even though he’ll still be held out of game action for a few more weeks.
Sam's back in the building and feeling good. #TakeFlight
— New York Jets (@nyjets) September 18, 2019
Darnold told reporters he should be back for the Jets’ Week 5 match up with the Philadelphia Eagles.
At least there’s a positive timetable for Darnold. The team placed his back up, Trevor Siemian, on injured reserve Tuesday after he suffered a foot injury Monday night against the Cleveland Browns.
H/T NFL.com, NBC Sports
