It seems that the Carolina Panthers are taking this entire common sense thing seriously.
Mere days after being eliminated from playoff contention following an ugly loss to the New Orleans Saints, the Panthers are sitting former NFL MVP Cam Newton for the remainder of the season.
Sources: #Panthers are expected to sit Cam Newton (shoulder) now that they are out of the playoff race and Taylor Heinicke is believed to be starting Sunday vs. the #Falcons. A move that makes a lot of sense. … Cam is not practicing today.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 19, 2018
Anyone that watched Monday night’s game knows full well that Newton’s throwing shoulder is nowhere near 100 percent. There’s absolutely nothing to gain from him playing out the string in what has become a lost season in Carolina.
Monday’s loss to the Saints represented Carolina’s sixth consecutive defeat after starting the season 6-2. Newton has accounted for nine touchdowns and nine interceptions during said streak.
Obviously, the shoulder injury has played a role in his substandard performance.
With Newton sidelined, young quarterback Taylor Heinicke will get the start for Carolina over the final two weeks.