Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton threw two touchdown passes, his first in three games, last night against the Philadelphia Eagles. Unfortunately, the Panthers lost 45-21 and Newton was sacked nine times. The quarterback could be seen limping several times throughout the game.
Newton is still recovering from offseason ankle surgery and a broken rib that kept him out of the season opener. It's possible that the fourth-year signal caller is also now dealing with additional injuries.
"Newton is nursing a right foot injury the Panthers training staff believes might be the result of compensating for the lingering soreness in his left ankle, a source told FOX Sports," wrote Mike Garafolo. "The combination of lower-leg issues could explain why Newton has appeared to be sluggish ..."
"Newton was limping for much of the game and jogged gingerly to and from the sideline between series. Following one of the Eagles' nine sacks of him, Newton was stretching his groin or hamstring area, so he might have tweaked a muscle in that region as well."
Newton has been a disappointment from a fantasy perspective this season thanks to a reduced rushing workload due to the nagging injuries. Despite his ailments and Carolina's 3-6-1 record, the Panthers are just 1.5 games back of the 4-5 New Orleans Saints in the weak NFC South. It is still very possible for the Panthers to make the postseason.
Newton is completing 58.1 percent of his passes and has thrown for 2,100 yards, ten touchdowns and eight interceptions this season. He has also rushed for 263 yards and two touchdowns. Newton's yards per pass attempt (7.10), yards per carry (4.5) and passer rating (80.1) are all currently at career lows. He's also lost five fumbles this season already, more than any other year in his career.
Newton and the Panthers will enjoy a much needed bye week in Week 12 after playing the 3-6 Atlanta Falcons this weekend.
