The Carolina Panthers have been dealt some alarming news. A shoulder injury will keep quarterback Cam Newton out of the team’s OTAs.
Just spoke with head athletic trainer Ryan Vermillion. QB Cam Newton (shoulder) is among those who will be sidelined for OTAs. More to come.
— Max Henson (@maxhenson) March 21, 2017
He’ll need surgery to repair the damage, reports NFL.com, and Adam Schefter reports it’s for a partially torn rotator cuff.
Panthers announce Cam Newton will undergo surgery on March 30 for a partially torn rotator cuff.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 21, 2017
For those asking why Cam Newton didn't get his surgery immediately (this means you, @PriscoCBS), here's that part from Panthers' release. pic.twitter.com/rvKqJW0vzo
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 21, 2017
In and of itself, Newton — a veteran and former league MVP — missing OTAs is not a big deal at all. Additionally, while Newton won’t be on the field, he’ll still be around the team.
Cam Newton will be actively involved throughout the offseason program, soaking everything in through mental reps and classroom time.
— Bryan Strickland (@StricklySports) March 21, 2017
The problem comes with why he’s missing them. Newton was clearly banged up throughout the 2016 season. Now, he hasn’t played a game in nearly three months, but his shoulder is still hurt and surgery means it’s not a minor issue.
That’s not exactly good news for a team as it relates to the franchise quarterback.
If nothing else, this gives us something to pay attention to. How well will Newton heal between OTAs and training camp? There’s plenty of time between them, so he should be fine. But it’s something that needs to be monitored.