The New England Patriots’ starting quarterback competition just added an interesting wrinkle.
New England announced on Monday morning that veteran quarterback Cam Newton will be out until Thursday. Newton, the team’s starting quarterback last year, was not seen at practice on Monday morning. And now we know why.
Newton traveled to a club-approved medical appointment over the weekend. He received daily tests, which were negative, though there was a misunderstanding about protocols. So, Newton will be held out for five days. He is eligible to return to the facility on Thursday.
Statement from the Patriots on Cam Newton, who will be back in the club facility on Thursday. pic.twitter.com/z6hHmg65YS
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) August 23, 2021
Patriots head coach Bill Belichick has said all along that Newton is the favorite for the starting quarterback job. However, it’ll be interesting to see if rookie Mac Jones gets the opportunity he needed this week.
“The fact that Cam started last year, and he’s here, somebody would have to play better than him. Training camp is all about competition,” Belichick said.
Question (via @TheGregHillShow): You’ve said Cam is the starter. What do you have to see, and when, for that to change?
Bill Belichick: “The fact that Cam started last year, and he’s here, somebody would have to play better than him. Training camp is all about competition. …”
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) August 23, 2021
Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels had a similar message.
“I think that decision from Bill will be made when the time is right to make it. Cam certainly is the starter now, and he has done a good job,” McDaniels told reporters.
But perhaps a couple of days away from the team will lead to a different result. Jones will likely get most of the starter reps at practice this week.
Highest-graded rookies in #NFL preseason:
Offense: Mac Jones – 92.4
Defense: Patrick Surtain – 94.8Roll Tide 🐘 pic.twitter.com/DD2vV33kH8
— PFF College (@PFF_College) August 21, 2021
Jones now has a “window” to close the gap with Newton.
Welp. Good window for Mac Jones to get this job with Cam out this week. Not sure it will happen but Jones has an opening now. https://t.co/Q5zLsRSUUH
— Geoff Schwartz (@geoffschwartz) August 23, 2021
The Patriots are scheduled to open the season on Sunday, Sept. 12 against the Dolphins.
Kickoff is set for 4:25 p.m. E.T.
The post NFL World Reacts To Monday’s Cam Newton News appeared first on The Spun.
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