Carolina Panthers backup quarterback race continues
The Carolina Panthers battle to backup quarterback Cam Newton is heating up.
To this point in the Carolina Panthers training camp, Cam Newton has appeared healthy. As coaches, trainers and Newton himself attempt to find a balance between recovering from multiple shoulder surgeries and preparing for the upcoming season, those responsible for taking over should he be sidelined have been worth watching.
In an effort to potentially somewhat prepare for the future, general manager Marty Hurney drafted the first quarterback since Newton was selected No. 1 overall eight years ago. Charlotte native Will Grier was taken in the third-round this past April and immediately became the front-runner for the backup position.
However, both Taylor Heinicke and Kyle Allen were already on the roster and each now has regular season game experience due to injuries last year. Heinicke was up first after the team elected to shut down Newton following a six game slide that essentially removed the Panthers from playoff contention.
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He fought hard and through his own elbow injury but came up short against the Falcons at home. Following, Heinicke was placed on the injured reserve list opening the door for Allen. The former undrafted free agent, who spent time on the Carolina practice squad early in the season, led the Panthers to a victory over New Orleans before he too was hurt late in the fourth quarter.
All three have been given opportunities during training camp but two are beginning to separate themselves. According to Josh Klein of The Riot Report, “the competition for backup QB appears to be a two-man race between Allen and Grier with Heinicke being the odd man out.”
Most NFL teams choose to keep only two active quarterbacks on their game day roster but the Panthers may be forced to have three this season. With other NFL teams able to poach players assigned to the practice squad, having either Grier or Allen on there is a risk.
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Ultimately, it is up to coach Ron Rivera and fortunately there’s a few preseason games between now and the deadline for a decision.