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Friday PM update: When asked if Newton would play in Arizona, head coach Matt Rhule didn’t sound too optimistic, but as usual, left some wiggle room.
Panthers coach Matt Rhule it is "not very likely" that Newton will play Sunday at Arizona, but adds "that could change" based on how he looks in Saturday's practice. Said it's more likely the team will shoot for next Sunday vs. Washington.
— Steve Reed (@SteveReedAP) November 12, 2021
Friday update: Offensive coordinator Joe Brady says that “everything is on the table,” for Cam Newton against the Cardinals, per Joe Person. Person believes to think a limited package for Newton is a possibility.
Thursday update: Matt Rhule says that P.J. Walker will start Week 10 against the Cardinals. He leaves a little wiggle room for Newton to play, but it sounds like a long shot at this point.
Matt Rhule said the plan still is to start PJ Walker on Sunday at Arizona. Did not rule out totally Cam Newton being available, but the next week against Washington seems more likely.
— David Newton (@DNewtonespn) November 11, 2021
Cam Newton is signing with his old team, the Carolina Panthers. Newton’s very first start in the league was in Arizona in 2011 against the Cardinals. In that game he threw for 422 yards, two touchdowns and an interception on his way to Rookie of the Year honors. Now the question is, will Newton be able to play this Sunday, once again in Arizona, in his first game with the Panthers after landing back with his old team?
Newton, who wasn’t vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus while with the Patriots, did reportedly get vaccinated. His vaccination status helps his cause to at least get with the team as soon as possible. There is a chance he could start, but this is late in the week to bring Newton in and start. The likely starter will be P.J. Walker, but there is nothing official or reported as of yet.
Newton doesn’t know the Joe Brady/Matt Rhule offense and it will be a tough learning curve, especially if he were to have a chance to play this Sunday. We can expect Newton to be the starter at some point though, and next week they’ll face his old coach Ron Rivera when the Panthers take on the Washington Football Team.
We will keep this story updated as more news comes out on his Week 10 status.