Through a vast majority of Cam Newton’s first eight years in the NFL, he was remarkably durable. But that’s changed as of recently.
Newton missed two games in 2014 and one in 2016 (that same year he had one appearance in a game in which he didn’t start as well). Last season, Newton missed the final two games of the season with a shoulder injury.
Though it’s unclear if he’s fully recovered from the shoulder ailment, it has been a foot injury – officially a left mid-foot sprain, specifically, though reports suggest it may be a bit more serious than that makes it sound – that kept him out last week against the Cardinals and will do so again this week when Carolina takes on the Houston Texans.
#Panthers QB Cam Newton is believed to be dealing with a Lisfranc injury, I’m told. Plan for now is to keep rehabbing in hopes of returning and avoiding surgery, but it could be awhile until he’s back on the field. Kyle Allen’s show until then. (@josephperson 1st)
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) September 24, 2019
Panthers head coach Ron Rivera made the announcement to the media on Monday.
That means, for the second consecutive week, Kyle Allen will get the starting nod. Further, at this point, it seems likely Newton will be out an extended period of time.
Last week, Allen was highly productive and very efficient, going 19-26 for 261 yards with four touchdowns and no interceptions.
Allen, who was an undrafted rookie after splitting his college years between Texas A&M and Houston, spent most of last season on Carolina’s practice squad until he was activated for the final two weeks when Newton was shut down.
Even when he played this season, Newton looked far from healthy. There was even speculation it may be time for the Panthers to move on at the quarterback position. Those takes are sure to grow louder if Allen’s play remains anywhere near what he did in Week 2. But there’s still a lot Allen has to prove since his performance came against an Arizona team that sports a defense that’s not exactly the ’85 Bears.
The NFL has also seen more than a few quarterbacks come in as backups, have a hot start, but then regress once defenses get more film on them.
Still, it’s fair to wonder what will come of the Panthers’ quarterback position in both the short and long-term. However, for at least one more week, it’s Kyle Allen’s team.
