The Patriots supposed quarterback competition, if there really ever was one, may be over now.
Jarrett Stidham will be out a few weeks with a hip injury, NFL Network reported, making it almost a near certainty Cam Newton will be Bill Belichick’s quarterback.
ESPN reported that the 24-year-old Stidham had his leg looked at Thursday at a nearby hospital and tests came back negative.
Newton, the former Panther who signed with New England in late June, being the Patriots starter was also seen as a likelihood considering his body of work as a former MVP and three-time Pro Bowler. Stidham, meanwhile, has thrown a grand total of four NFL passes. Now he’s even further behind.
The 31-year-old Newton has battled multiple injuries throughout his nine-year career, including an ankle injury that has lingered since college and was surgically repaired in 2014, concussions, a torn rotator cuff on his throwing shoulder that has required surgery twice and, most recently, a Lisfranc fracture he suffered during the third preseason game in 2019. But he has looked good so far.
“He’s definitely a former MVP for a reason. The guy is a professional. He works his tail off. He’s extremely dynamic, and he has a charming personality,” wide receiver Julian Edelman said of Newton on sports radio WEEI. “It’s been fun to be around. He has a confidence about him. All quarterbacks have a confidence, but it’s just a little different with Cam. It’s a vibe that can feel you and get you in a mindset.”
