Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton left Thursday night’s preseason game against the New England Patriots with a foot injury and was later seen exiting the stadium in a walking boot, but it sounds like there is a good chance he will still be ready to go in Week 1.
Newton was diagnosed with a mid-foot sprain after undergoing tests on Friday, and Panthers GM Marty Hurney says the team is “cautiously optimistic” he will play in Week 1.
From Carolina Panthers GM Marty Hurney: "Cam Newton has a mid-foot sprain in his left foot, and we are cautiously optimistic he will be ready for week one."
— Jourdan Rodrigue (@JourdanRodrigue) August 23, 2019
Considering the area of Newton’s foot that was being examined is the one where troublesome Lisfranc injuries tend to occur, a sprain seems like good news. The walking boot was likely just used as a precaution.
Newton is coming off another shoulder procedure and has been throwing the ball well in practice, so the last thing he needs is a new injury to deal with. He was hampered by his shoulder issue last season to the point where he openly admitted he could not throw the ball down the field, and that is a big reason the Panthers finished 7-9. A healthy Newton is the key to potentially bouncing back in 2019.
