Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton and Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo returned to action this weekend since undergoing surgery after suffering injuries. New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees plans to return this week.
In his return against the Kansas City Chiefs, Newton was 4-of-9 passing for 65 yards on two touchdown drives before being taken out in the second quarter. Newton underwent ankle surgery on March 19 and needed four months of recovery time before participating in game-speed action. With a brand new receiving corps and head coach Ron Rivera's goal to lessen the hits delivered to his quarterback (Newton was the most hit QB over the past three seasons), the Panthers hope Newton's recovery will continue to be successful.
Tony Romo underwent a more serious procedure to repair a herniated disk in his back. He's been kept out of action since Week 17 of the 2013 season until returning to the Cowboys' sixth training camp practice. Romo started his first game since Week 16 on Saturday against the Baltimore Ravens, going 4-of-5 for 80 yards and a touchdown. His final pass of the evening was a 31-yard touchdown to wide receiver Dez Bryant after a botched exchange on a handoff to DeMarco Murray led to a Baltimore touchdown on the previous drive.
"Some things came up that were a little different we hadn't seen," said Romo, via the Associated Press in this ESPN article. "We were able to communicate and be on the same page and the receivers, me, the linemen. It just shows we are doing some going things and are further along than you might usually be this early."
New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brews suffered a left oblique strain during practice Aug. 1 and has been limited in practice ever since. He fully participated in practice on Sunday, which was his first time doing so since being injured. He says he plans to face the Colts on Saturday in the team's third preseason game, but will be careful in his return to full-time status.
"Today was my first day to be full-go. I've been taking it very slow," said Brees, in this New Orleans Times-Picayune article. "I wanted to make sure it was all good. I'm still not 100 percent, but I hope by Saturday I am."
With the 2014 NFL season beginning on September 4, many players are excited to take the field and get some action under their belt before kickoff.
