Cam Newton To Miss Time Due To COVID Protocols

Patriots quarterback Cam Newton will be out of practice until Thursday due to COVID-19 testing procedures. Newton and the Patriots are set to have joint practices with the Giants this week in Foxborough with the conclusion of their preseason coming this Sunday.

The team released the following statement:

“On Saturday, Cam Newton traveled to a Club-approved medical appointment that required him to leave the New England area,” the team said in a statement. “He received daily Covid tests, which were all negative. Due to a misunderstanding about tests conducted away from NFL facilities, and as required by the NFL-NFLPA protocols, Cam will be subject to the five-day entry cadence process before returning to the facility. Cam will continue participating virtually in team activities and return to the club facility on Thursday, August 26.”

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Based on the application of the five-day entry cadence, it seems to indicate that Newton is not fully vaccinated as vaccinated players do not have to go through that particular scenario given the circumstances of Newton’s situation. Newton can return to practice on Thursday but this could impact his availability for the preseason finale against the Giants, assuming he was going to play at all.

Does This Impact The Patriots Quarterback Competition?

Given the nature of the situation, it is highly unlikely this would impact Newton’s standing as the presumed starter, assuming COVID issues don’t prevent him from being on the field when the season starts. Fortunately, the start of the season is still a few weeks away. However, what this does do is give rookie Mac Jones plenty of snaps with the starters over the next several days as he and Brian Hoyer will be the only two in camp against the Giants. Jones, regardless of Newton’s availability, would play a lot in the finale so that will likely not change.

This does highlight a potential issue for Newton and the team down the road if this situation were to occur during a game week. It would thrust Jones into the starting job and there would be no guarantee that he will give it up.