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Cam Newton absent from Patriots practice due to COVID-related ‘misunderstanding’
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New England QB Cam Newton wasn’t at practice Monday and will likely remain absent until Thursday, Aug. 26.
According to NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport, the missed practices are the result of a misunderstanding between Newton and the Patriots about COVID testing protocols, specifically tests that take place away from a team’s facility.
#Patriots QB Cam Newton isn’t at practice because of what the team called a “misunderstanding” about tests conducted away from the facility. Only unvaccinated players are subject to daily testing, and this indicates he fell out of the testing cadence. Statement: pic.twitter.com/UDjBUF9Gyq
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 23, 2021
For Newton, the former Heisman Trophy winner from Auburn, while he will be able to take part in team activities virtually, the missed practices will serve as bad timing, as he’s currently locked in a battle for the starting job with rookie Mac Jones, the former Alabama standout and Patriots’ No. 1 draft pick.
During the 2020 season, Newton’s first with New England, the 6-5, 245-pounder appeared in 15 games and passed for 2,657 yards, 8 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. He also added 592 yards and 12 scores on the ground.
Here is the complete statement from the Patriots on Newton’s current absence: “On Saturday, Cam Newton traveled to a Club-approved medical appointment that required him to leave the New England area. He received daily Covid tests, which were all negative. Due to a misunderstanding about tests conducted away from NFL facilities, and as required by the NFL-NFLPA protocols, Cam will be subject to the five-day entry cadence process before returning to the facility. Cam will continue participating virtually in team activities and return to the club facility on Thursday, August 26.”
"Chris Wallace covers college football for Saturday Down South. He has covered college athletics for multiple newspapers and also worked previously for Rivals.com and GolfChannel.com."
