At one point this season, the Carolina Panthers were sitting pretty at 6-2. They were right in the thick of the NFC playoff hunt. Through Week 9, Carolina was something close to a no-brainer as far as postseason spots go. Cam Newton was emerging as a potential MVP candidate. Since then, the Panthers season has been nothing short of a disaster.
Now at 6-8 and basically out of the playoff picture (though technically still alive), the team has decided not to play their quarterback the rest of the season. During their ongoing six-game losing streak, speculation of Newton playing at less than full health has steadily ramped up. Though until now, that was largely speculative, even as much as the lack of downfield throws justified that speculation. The Panthers stayed silent through it all. Until now. Today Carolina confirmed that does indeed have a shoulder injury. And that Taylor Heinicke will be their starting signal-caller.
Sources: #Panthers are expected to sit Cam Newton (shoulder) now that they are out of the playoff race and Taylor Heinicke is believed to be starting Sunday vs. the #Falcons. A move that makes a lot of sense. … Cam is not practicing today.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 19, 2018
Heinicke, 25, played collegiately at Old Dominion from 2011-2014. While there, he started 67.7% of his passes (1,238-1,829) for 14,959 yards. He had 132 passing touchdowns against 39 interceptions. On the ground, he added 1,320 rushing yards on 367 attempts and 22 touchdowns.
Professionally, Heinicke has only attempted five passes (completing three for 56 yards). However, he’s seen his share of interest from NFL teams over the few years he’s been in the league. Originally signed by the Vikings, he spent a season on injured reserve before being picked up by the Patriots and added to their practice squad. That only lasted a few weeks, though. He was then added to the Texans practice squad before being waived in April of this season and subsequently signed by the Panthers.
Newton’s play has steadily declined this season (presumably from the injury). His stat line for the 2018 season will finish with 3,395 yards on a 67.9% completion percentage (320-471) with 24 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. As per usual, the 29-year-old was a threat running as well. The former MVP had 101 attempts that went for 488 yards and four scores.
Carolina hasn’t indicated yet if Newton will stay on the active roster or be placed on injured reserve. Either way, Newton and Heinicke are the only quarterbacks the Panthers have active, so expect them to add another before their Week 16 game Sunday against the Falcons. They do have Kyle Allen, a rookie out of Houston, currently on their practice squad.
