Carolina Panthers: Cam Newton facing longer layoff from throwing

The Carolina Panthers quarterback was throwing at this point after his first shoulder surgery.

The Carolina Panthers sidelined franchise quarterback Cam Newton last season after essentially falling out of playoff contention with two weeks remaining to play. Despite losing six in a row beforehand, the team remained in the hunt late in the year due to their six wins through the first half but even before the decision, it was apparent something was amiss with Newton.

Twice he was pulled in Hail Mary pass situations for Taylor Heinicke to make an attempt, unable to throw the ball down the field. It was finally revealed that Newton had been experiencing some discomfort and an “arthroscopic procedure” was performed on his throwing shoulder in January.

As the first full team practices for 2019 commenced recently, Newton was in attendance but still not cleared to make any throws. Instead, the former league MVP worked with a trainer on the side as new draft pick Will Grier, Heinicke and Kyle Allen participated.

Coach Ron Rivera insisted it was, “a really big not-that-big-of-a-deal” and while not throwing in May is likely to not have any detrimental impacts – it’s the time period that should be more concerning. Newton’s latest surgery took place on January 24, 120 days ago and essentially four months have passed now without a throw.

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Following his rotator cuff repair in March of 2017, Newton made his first throws in late June of the same year – only 88 days afterwards. It’s been over an entire month longer of no throwing for Newton at this point.

While there are likely a number of reasons behind the extended delay, with no apparent sign of any set back from Newton or the team, it is a bit concerning. The Panthers are undoubtedly being cautious and they have plenty of reason but operating without knowing how Newton is going to respond when cleared to throw has to be challenging.

It’s one reason Grier was drafted this year and depending on the outcome, once Newton is allowed to throw, Carolina could be faced with more difficult decisions. Set for a new deal following the 2020 season, Newton’s play this year is likely to be under more scrutiny than ever before.

And that’s hard to believe for anyone who has been following his development since entering the league.