Panthers Could Shut Cam Newton Down
6 years agoCarolina Panthers head coach Ron Rivera hasn't ruled out the idea of shutting quarterback Cam Newton (shoulder) down for the final two games of the season due to his sore right throwing shoulder. Rivera plans to meet with Newton later in the week to figure out where he is "in terms of his physical state and mental state" before deciding if he'll play in Week 16 against the Falcons. Newton has struggled throwing the ball in recent weeks and cannot go deep down the field at all. “I think the thing, when you talk to different people who can help you with it, is that there’s not any magical surgery or whatever. It’s just time,” Newton said. “I’ve tried and done everything.” Newton continues to get treatment on his shoulder daily, but nothing has really helped. There's a chance he'll need to have right shoulder surgery for the second straight season. Even if Newton plays in a good matchup with Atlanta, he'll be more of a QB2 now that he can't do much with his right arm. All of Carolina's receiver options, aside from running back Christian McCaffrey, are hard to trust as well. Taylor Heinicke would be forced to start and close out the season if Newton is shut down.
Source: The Associated Press - Steve Reed
Source: The Associated Press - Steve Reed