NFL Rumors: Cam Newton May Best Give Up On Returning This Season

The Carolina Panthers could use Cam Newton this NFL season but it appears the 30-year-old is still far from reaching 100-percent. His foot injury has not completely healed and the latest is he may be missing more time. Surgery is reportedly not an option with the top pick of the 2011 NFL Draft trying to avoid being placed on the injured reserve list.

According to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, Newton’s Lisfranc injury has not fully healed. He will be out for a few more weeks or possibly more. The three-time Pro Bowler will head to Wisconsin to see a foot specialist, potentially something that could dictate his next step.

The only thing certain is that surgery is not an option for now. Apparently, this speaks well on Newton potentially returning this NFL season. Hence, it is why the Panthers quarterback is trying to avoid the injured reserve list. Being placed there will kill all chances of him possibly returning for Carolina.

However, the way his injury is going may force the hand of the Panthers to make a decision. Week 9 will mark the seventh week that Newton has been out. He has not practiced nor played in that span. So far, the Panthers have turned to Kyle Allen. The 23-year-old made quite an impression, going 5-0 when he took on the starting quarterback chores. The lone blemish was a loss to the undefeated San Francisco 49ers, 51-13. It did not take long for Allen and the Panthers to regroup, defeating the Tennessee Titans recently, 30-20, USA Today reported.

With the probability of seeing Newton back, Carolina may end up finishing the season with Allen at quarterback. The answer to that will likely be known soon – all depending on how the Panthers want to proceed. It could be the end of the season for Newton if doctors feel that he has low chances of returning this NFL season.

But until that happens, it appears Newton is not giving up hope. However, he may need to also factor in the probability of him playing backup. Coming off an injury, coach Ron Rivera may opt to stick with Allen for the rest of the way. The thought alone maybe something Newton will need to give some thought as well.