Panthers quarterback Cam Newton didn’t look like he was 100 percent healthy on Monday night, and he’s reportedly dealing with a right foot injury in addition to recovering from the left ankle surgery he had in the offseason and the rib injury that sidelined him at the beginning of the season. But Panthers coach Ron Rivera says Newton is fine.
“I’m not sure where all that came from, but he’s not injured,” Rivera said at his Tuesday practice.
That’s an awfully surprising claim from Newton because there were times during last night’s loss to the Eagles when he appeared to be hurting and far less mobile than usual. And Newton’s numbers are down from past seasons, both as a runner and a passer. If he’s not injured, what’s wrong with him?
The answer to that is not entirely clear. But something is keeping Newton from playing his best football.
