2 min read • August 29, 2020
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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.
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