Cam Newton has been battling issues with his throwing shoulder for the majority of the 2018 season, and the Carolina Panthers are expected to sideline him because of the lingering injury.
Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports that the Panthers are planning to sit Newton for Sunday’s game against the Atlanta Falcons. Backup quarterback Tyler Heinicke will start in his place.
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
The Panthers have lost six in a row to fall to 6-8, and they are still technically alive for a playoff spot but would need a miracle to get in. Head coach Ron Rivera said after Monday night’s loss to the New Orleans Saints that Newton would continue to be evaluated on a weekly basis, but the team obviously feels there’s no need to have him play hurt.
Newton has had issues with his shoulder since undergoing surgery, and he recently provided a troubling update about it. It would not be a surprise if he has another procedure this offseason.
