Opponent’s injured quarterback may not face Arizona Cardinals
By Jim Koch
There’s a very good possibility that quarterback Cam Newton may have to miss Sunday’s clash with the Arizona Cardinals
As they pursue their first win of the season, the Arizona Cardinals may be getting a big break this weekend. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport is reporting that the club’s week three opponent, the Carolina Panthers, may be without their starting quarterback this Sunday. Cam Newton, a three-time Pro Bowler, aggravated a foot injury last Thursday that’s been bothering him since August.
The first-overall pick of the 2011 draft missed practice on Wednesday and is in a walking boot. Carolina head coach Ron Rivera said on Tuesday that he has “no idea” when Newton will return. When also asked about the situation, Panthers general manager Marty Hurney responded that “He’s (Newton) just in the training room rehabbing”.
If Newton can’t play, Arizona native Kyle Allen will get the call against the Cards. The 23-year old signed with Carolina as an undrafted free agent last year. Allen started the final contest of 2018, registering 228 passing yards and three touchdowns (one rushing) versus the New Orleans Saints.
The 6’3, 211 pounder attended Desert Mountain high school in Scottsdale. Allen started his college career at Texas A&M University before transferring to the University of Houston in 2016. Ironically, Allen and Cardinals signal-caller Kyler Murray were teammates with the Aggies in 2015.
There are some who believe that Arizona would be better off facing the struggling Newton. The foot issue certainly appears to have affected the 30-year old’s play during the Panthers two losses. Newton has completed just 56.2% of his throws, with zero touchdowns and an interception through the first couple of weeks.
The foot ailment also seems to have completely stymied Newton’s ability to run the football. The veteran has carried the rock just five times in ’19, for an incredibly-ugly minus two yards. Numbers that are a far cry from the explosive weapon that Newton has been on the ground in the past.
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It’s looking more and more like the Cards will be lining up against Allen, a quarterback who has attempted just 31 passes in the NFL. Defensive coordinator Vance Joseph and his players have to be licking their chops. Don’t look now, but the Cardinals first victory of 2019 could be just around the corner.