There is no question Panther quarterback Cam Newton was struggling to get the ball downfield in Monday’s loss to the Saints.

And now that the Panthers’ playoffs hopes are finished, so is Newton’s season.

So what is next? Rest? Surgery? And what are the career implications?

To know what is next, one has to look at Newton’s past and discover what his current specific shoulder injury is.


In May of 2017, Newton had a repair of a partially torn rotator cuff and returned for the regular season. The root question now is whether he has the same problem or it is a new issue.

By review of video of the hits he has taken this year, nothing stands out.

In Carolina’s Week 10 game against the Steelers, T.J. Watt hit Newton hard directly on the shoulder. But that seemed more likely to be a contusion.

In Week 13 against Tampa Bay, Newton fell on his outstretched shoulder with worry for a labral/capsular issue.


For some time, he has not been throwing on Wednesday or Thursday in practice. There has been speculation about fatigue, though fatigue is often a symptom of further rotator cuff tear.

The issue is what the anatomic problem is. Is it a continuation of the rotator cuff issue or a new labrum issue?

Any problem on the throwing shoulder of a quarterback can be considered career-threatening, but whether it is a rotator cuff or labrum, it should not be career-ending for Newton.

If there is any uncertainty, expect Newton to get a shoulder scope.


He either has a defined problem that needs to be fixed or the team and player need to know for sure there is no structural problem by looking inside his shoulder.

I don’t expect the Panthers and Newton to wait until May this time. Some second opinions and an earlier procedure may be around the corner.