As it turns out, the New England Patriots will end up being without former NFL MVP Cam Newton for just one game. The free-agent signing tested positive for COVID-19 following the Patriots’ Week 3 win over the Las Vegas Raiders.
We had not heard much about Newton’s status since. As for his team, New England’s Week 5 outing against the Broncos was pushed back to this coming Sunday after Newton’s teammate with the Patriots, Stephon Gilmore, contracted COVID-19. We now have some good news on this front.
Related: NFL Week 6 injury report
New England Patriots injury report: Cam Newton set to return
This is obviously great news for the Patriots. It’s also tremendous news for Newton and his health after coming down with coronavirus.
From a football perspective, New England’s quarterbacks struggled big time with Newton sidelined during a blowout Week 4 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.
Brian Hoyer and Jarrett Stidham combined for four turnovers. Coupled with this mistake from Julian Edelman, and the Patriots’ mistakes cost them a chance at moving to 3-1 on the season. In the end, Kansas City pulled away by the score of 26-10.
Newton’s return could not come at a better time for the Patriots. They now have to play 12 consecutive weeks.
Related: NFL Week 6 schedule, predictions
New England Patriots schedule
- Week 6: VS- Denver Broncos
- Week 7: VS- San Francisco 49ers
- Week 8: AT- Buffalo Bills
- Week 9: AT- New York Jets
- Week 10: VS- Baltimore Ravens
At 3-2 on the season, it’s important that New England gets back on track following Week 4’s loss to the Chiefs. Getting Newton back will only help in that regard.
After all, three of the Patriots’ next four games are against teams currently boasting losing records.
Cam Newton stats
As noted above, the performances we saw from New England’s two other quarterbacks in Week 4 didn’t inspire much confidence. The same can’t be said for Newton, who appears to be completely recovered from the injuries he’s suffered over the past couple years.
The former NFL MVP is completing 68.1% of his passes for 714 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions in three games. He’s added a league-best four rushing touchdowns on the ground.