Cam Newton struggled with a shoulder injury for the majority of the 2018 season. The Panthers started with a 6-2 record but quickly fell in the standings because of Newton's struggles to throw the football. According to ESPN, Newton underwent arthroscopic surgery on his shoulder on Thursday and will start rehabilitating the shoulder right now in order to come back as soon as possible.
Newton took to Instagram to thank the fans and to say that the surgery is just a minor setback.
Panthers owner David Tepper has made it clear that he doesn't mind sitting Newton for the entire 2019 season if necessary.
"Hopefully, Cam's shoulder is fantastic, right? And we're hunky-dory, all fantastic,'' Tepper said according to ESPN. "If it's not, you may need more cap space. You may need to go out and find [another quarterback]. If you don't, you guys are going to be writing what a dope we are here. Why did we make these other moves? So think about that. You want to keep your options open, put yourself in best position as you can to win, and I'm talking again for the long term.''
Newton has been a major part of the team for the majority of the decade, leading the squad to a Super Bowl appearance in 2016, where they lost to the Denver Broncos.