Carolina Panthers shutting down Cam Newton for remainder of 2018
Carolina Panthers shut down Cam Newton for final two games in 2018.
Despite absorbing more punishment than his fellow quarterbacks, Cam Newton hasn’t missed many games for the Carolina Panthers. Newton missed after suffering a fractured rib back in 2014 and again later in the same season due to injuries resulting from a car accident.
More recently, Newton missed a game in 2016 following a concussion but for as much punishment as he takes, the franchise quarterback is extremely resilient. Unfortunately, a torn rotator cuff suffered late in 2016 and surgically repaired in March 2017 seems to still be causing issues for Newton.
Prior to taking a violent hit from Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt in Week 10, Newton was in the midst of a great season. He still hadn’t attempted too many throws down the field, but he was connecting with receivers at a career high percentage and had the Panthers offense clicking.
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Newton even admitted himself that he was “playing the best football of his career” but things changed over the second half. After starting 6-2, Newton and the Panthers have failed to win a game during the second half. Losing six straight, Carolina isn’t mathematically eliminated from the playoffs but a less than one-percent chance seems to have changed how coach Ron Rivera is attacking the subject.
Believing Newton gives Carolina the best opportunity to win goes without question, but risking the future health of a franchise player in the process creates some hesitation. Newton already played the remainder of the 2016 season with his shoulder in peril despite having no opportunity to extend their season.
The same will not be true in 2018. According to NFL Insider Ian Rapoport, Newton has been sidelined for the remainder of the year. Games against both the Atlanta Falcons and New Orleans Saints remain but Newton will not take part.
Hopefully, additional rest allows Newton time to heal completely or for any medical procedure to take place in time for a full recovery prior to training camp beginning in 2019.
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An unfortunate end to his season after such a promising start, but the right move for the future.