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Presumptive New England Patriots starting quarterback Cam Newton is going to be sidelined from practice over the next few days as rookie Mac Jones vies for his job heading into Week 1.
The Patriots released a statement on Monday indicating that Newton has violated NFL COVID-19 protocols and will not be allowed to return to the facility until Aug. 26.
“On Saturday, Cam Newton traveled to a Club-approved medical appointment that required him to leave the New England area,” the Patriots said in a statement. “He received daily Covid tests, which were all negative. Due to a misunderstanding about tests conducted away from NFL facilities, and as required by the NFL-NFLPA protocols, Cam will be subject to the five-day entry cadence process before returning to the facility. Cam will continue participating virtually in team activities and return to the club facility on Thursday, August 26.”
This does seem to be a bit of a communication issue between Newton, the Patriots and the NFL. New England noted in its statement that said medical appointment was “club-approved.”
This is also the Patriots’ way of indicating that Cam Newton is not vaccinated. Those who have received the vaccination are not subject to the same travel restrictions as the non-vaccinated. Remember, he came down with the virus a season ago.
From an on-field standpoint, both Newton and Jones played extremely well in New England’s blowout win over the Philadelphia Eagles last week. It led to Pats offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels coming close to confirming that Newton will be their starting quarterback once Week 1 comes calling against the Miami Dolphins.
With Cam Newton sidelined, Jones will get first-team reps during practice this week. There’s also a chance that the rookie first-round pick will start the preseason finale against the New York Giants next Sunday.