The biggest nightmare for any NFL team is losing a key player to injury in a preseason game.
Unfortunately for the Carolina Panthers and star quarterback Cam Newton, that nightmare became a reality on Thursday night. Newton suffered a left ankle sprain in the first quarter of the Panthers’ 10-3 preseason loss to the New England Patriots, casting doubts on the veteran QB’s ability to lead the team in Week 1.
Newton left Gillette Stadium in a walking boot after the game, but the team didn’t provide any other information about the severity of what was ruled to be a left ankle sprain. He is set to undergo further testing over the weekend to find out more about the extent of the injury.
The injury occurred when Patriots defensive lineman Adam Butler took down Newton with a sack. Newton’s foot and ankle were caught up awkwardly under his body when he was taken one, and he immediately left the field and went to the locker room after the play.
Losing Newton, the 2015 NFL MVP, for any amount of time would be a huge blow to Carolina. The team is looking to improve on a disappointing year that saw them finish with a 7-9 record, missing out on the playoffs.
