2 min read • September 09, 2020
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Cam Newton QB
In typical Bill Belichick fashion, he used a situation to his advantage, replacing Tom Brady with Cam Newton. Newton was cast aside in Carolina after a down season followed by an injury riddled one. The Patriots shrewdly signed Newton for the veteran minimum (plus a bonus structure). But the major question remains: Will Newton be healthy and able to contribute after two shoulder procedures and a Lisfranc? Based on my NFL experience as a head team physician analyzing players, I have little doubt that his health will be anything but fine. Many worry about his Lisfranc foot surgery from December 2019 and cite typical recovery as nine months or longer. That can be the case, but not here. By my analysis Newton had a very mild form of the mid-foot injury as evidenced by the fact that he tried to play on it and attempted to rest to allow healing before surgery. A high-grade Lisfranc injury would be easily recognized, there would be no way to play on it, and he would have had immediate surgery. Anytime a quarterback has shoulder surgery there is concern and Newton had two in the previous two seasons. Based on his own video of his surgeons’ post-operative conversations, I don’t see it as an issue for this season. The key phrase there is “this season.” The injuries could call into question his longevity given the admitted damage is to his articular cartilage, which in lay terms is a form of arthritis. The bottom line is this: Newton will be healthy for the start of training camp. If he is able to learn the offense, he will lead the team onto the field whenever we get football back. Though he hasn’t had a full offseason of preparation, neither have any other quarterback's in new homes this year.
Sony Michel RB
The Georgia alum was drafted with known knee arthritis issues but now his foot has become an issue. The Patriots won the Super Bowl with him as the starter his rookie season, but his yards per carry production has dropped from a respectable 4.5 to 3.7. This drop in rushing efficiency does not bode well, and even though he still finished 2019 with 912 yards and seven touchdowns, he was used sparingly in the pass game. He’ll have to bring his yards per carry back up if he wants a role in McDaniels’ offense. He began training camp on active/PUP but was just recently activated. In the typical New England way, it is not known what the injury is or how it happened, nor the exact procedure. Now that Michel has returned, he has to be treated like he has a “vet” knee and be given practice days off. Doing so can keep him relatively productive but he remains unlikely to ever get to a significant second contract and the next question is if his fifth-year option gets picked up in 2021.
Julian Edelman WR
Julian Edelman battled through rib, shoulder and knee issues and was chronically on the questionable list for most of the 2019 season. Edelman still played through those injuries as Tom Brady's main target and finished with 1,117 yards on 100 catches in 16 games. After knee and shoulder scope surgeries this offseason, he should be rejuvenated and it remains to be seen if he can bond with new quarterback Cam Newton. He should be productive again, as he showed even in his injury-riddled season last year.
N’Keal Harry WR
N'Keal Harry had a lackluster rookie campaign as a preseason injury landed him on injured reserve. By video, we worried about a turf toe, but others called it a high ankle sprain. Regardless, the first half of his rookie year was lost and he never regained ground and may have been still hampered by the injury. Harry finished the year with 12 catches and 105 yards in seven games. Look for a rebound year as it certainly can't be any worse than his injury-riddled campaign last season. We expect a healthy Harry for the Patriots and should capitalize as one of Cam Newton's top targets.
IR/Opt-Out List
RB Damien Harris
RB Brandon Bolden
FB Danny Vitale
TE Matt LaCosse
WR Marqise Lee
OT Marcus Canon
OL Najee Toran
LB Dont'a Hightower
DB Brandon King
SS Patrick Chung
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