Cam Newton will be out of Patriots practice until Thursday due to a violation of COVID-19 protocols. Per a Patriots press release the quarterback attended a “Club-approved medical appointment” outside the New England area.
Although Newton received his own covid tests during his leave, league protocols require that tests take place at team facilities. Because the quarterback is presumably unvaccinated, violation of these protocols resulted in a re-entry process which sidelines the QB for five days.
#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
In Newton’s absence, rookie quarterback Mac Jones has assumed the first team reps. Jones reportedly struggled early in practice yesterday, but finished strong. Jones was 29-for-34 with two interceptions in 11-on-11s today.
Jones will again take the first team reps in a joint practice with the Giants tomorrow. This marks a big opportunity for Jones as he will collect significantly more reps with the first team, particularly in joint practices. With Newton slated to return Thursday, tomorrow’s joint practice could be a pivotal moment in this quarterback competition.