Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton, who’s recovering from shoulder surgery, is being held out of Saturday’s Week 2 preseason game against the Tennessee Titans.
After getting his shoulder evaluated, the team has opted to play it safe with Newton, per Dianna Russini of ESPN.
Panthers QB Cam Newton had his shoulder evaluated, he will NOT play in tomorrow's preseason game against the Titans per sources
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) August 18, 2017
The Panthers are coming off a Super Bowl hangover 2016 campaign in which they won just six games. They feature a roster capable of getting back to the Super Bowl, if things break the right way.
But everything rests on Newton staying healthy and fresh.
Quite honestly, it would have been dumb to let Newton play this week. He’s coming off an extended period of time in which he had to abstain from throwing, as it is.
Sure, it would be nice to get some reps in with the first-team offense against another team. But can you imagine the fallout if Newton were to re-aggravate his shoulder issue or worse still, if he sustained a season-ending injury in a meaningless exhibition game?
If his shoulder is fine next week, then let him play in the tune-up game that is Week 3 in the preseason. But in no way would rushing him back this week benefit the team in the long run.