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Panthers won’t have Cam Newton when Falcons visit on Sunday

Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton will sit at least one game and possibly the rest of the season due to lingering soreness in his right shoulder.
Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton will sit at least one game and possibly the rest of the season due to lingering soreness in his right shoulder.

By Associated Press 4 min read

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton is headed to the bench.

The team made the decision to shut down the 2015 NFL MVP for at least one game and possibly the remainder of the season due to lingering soreness in his right shoulder.

Panthers coach Ron Rivera said Taylor Heinicke will make his first career start when Carolina (6-8) hosts the rival Atlanta Falcons (5-9) on Sunday. Kyle Allen will be Carolina’s backup, with Newton inactive.

Rivera said he made the decision to sit Newton after meeting with owner David Tepper, general manager Marty Hurney, team doctors and Newton on Wednesday morning before practice.

“It was a good conversation with Cam, and he understood our thinking behind this,” Rivera said. “He’s disappointed and he’s frustrated. You know him, he wants to play.”