The New England Patriots are busy preparing for Sunday's Week 13 game against the Los Angeles Chargers, but starting quarterback Cam Newton has been a limited participant in practice each of the last two days because of an abdomen injury.
It's the first week all season that Newton has been listed on the injury report with an abdomen issue.
Newton didn't delve too deep into his injury situation when asked Thursday if he'd be ready for Sunday's matchup in Los Angeles.
Stay in the game with the latest updates on your beloved Boston sports teams! Sign up here for our All Access Daily newsletter.
"I'm feeling as good as I should be feeling," Newton explained during a video press conference. "You just have to stay on top of things and see what the trainers say. Just keep getting treatment."
Newton struggled mightily in the Patriots' Week 12 win over the Arizona Cardinals. He completed just nine of 18 pass attempts for 84 yards with zero touchdowns and two interceptions. Newton has thrown only two touchdown passes with seven interceptions over his last seven games.
Updated 2020 NFL Power Rankings entering Week 13
New England Patriots
When asked if the abdomen injury affected him versus the Cardinals, Newton said, "I'm focusing on the Chargers game."
The Patriots need a better performance from Newton to leave SoFi Stadium with a win Sunday and remain in the mix for a playoff spot in the AFC. New England has a 5-6 record and trails a wild card spot by two games.
There's no question that Newton remains highly motivated to improve and play at a higher level on a consistent basis.
Who will be the Patriots' QB in 2021? Here are some possibilities
"I think what drives me is knowing I have yet to play my best football," Newton said. "Do I know certain things? Yes. Do you know how people are going to play you? No. In this game, I've always said it comes down to reacting. When that play is called, it really comes down to how you react faster than the defense in executing.
"Have I done it consistently? Not to my liking, but I'm getting there, it's just a learning curve. It's just learning every day. In the famous words of a quote from Game of Thrones, 'You know nothing, Jon Snow.' That's kinda been my mentality each and every day. Just try to stay open-minded and learn as much as I possibly can."