The Carolina Panthers have not committed to Cam Newton taking back his starting job when he is fully recovered from his foot injury, but they may have to make that decision before their next game.
Newton has “healed well” from the foot ailment and is expected to return to practice following Carolina’s Week 7 bye, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports.
Panthers’ QB Cam Newton’s foot injury has healed well and he is expected to be ready to practice after the team’s bye this week, per league source. Panthers have said they will make a QB determination when Newton is healthy; that looks to be coming soon.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 14, 2019
Returning to practice and being considered game-ready are two different things, so it’s still possible that the Panthers could take things slow with Newton. They have won four straight games with Kyle Allen as their starting quarterback, so it seems highly unlikely that they will send the former undrafted free agent to the bench given how well he has played.
Allen has thrown seven touchdowns and no interceptions during Carolina’s four-game win streak. One opposing coach said preparing to face him was more difficult than preparing to face Newton, and at this point it would not be a surprise if Panthers players want the team to stick with Allen. Head coach Ron Rivera has refused to directly address the elephant in the room, but he is going to have to as soon as Newton returns to practice.
