Report: Panthers Expected to Sit Cam Newton for Remainder of Season, Taylor Heinicke to Start

Newton will likely sit for the final two games of the season as he deals with a nagging shoulder injury.

Carolina is expected to sit quarterback Cam Newton for the final two games of the regular season as he continues to deal with a shoulder injury, according to ESPN. The Panthers will reportedly start Taylor Heinicke under center this week against the Falcons.

Heinicke, 25, has completed two of just four regular-season passes attempted in his professional career. The Panthers picked Heinicke up off waivers in April.

Newton was not a participant in Wednesday's practice, per Jourdan Rodrigue of the Charlotte Observer. The former MVP was present but was not dressed.

Carolina general manager Marty Hurney told ESPN that Newton will be inactive against the Falcons on Sunday. However, head coach Ron Rivera told reporters that Newton would remain on the team's 53-man roster "all the way through," suggesting that if the Panthers remain in contention for a playoff spot, Newton could return.

Carolina lost to the Saints on Monday night, 12–9, and fell to 6–8 on the season. Following the loss, Newton was asked if he would consider sitting out the final two games.

"That's not on me," he told reporters. "My job is to do the things that I can control and for me at this particular point in time, I don't have an answer for you."

Newton finished the night with his worst statistical game of the season in almost every category, with just 4.5 passing yards per attempt, 131 total passing yards and a 55.2 completion percentage. Newton is averaging 7.2 yards per attempt on 67.9 percent completion this season.