:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65301318/1018418256.jpg.0.jpg)
Editor’s update 9/24 10:03 a.m.: Cam Newton is dealing with a Lisfranc injury to his foot, according to Panthers beat writer Joe Person. As Person described it, the injury involves a rupture of ligaments of the mid-foot, “causing instability with the joints.” There is no timeline for Newton’s return while he tries to avoid surgery on the foot. That would potentially end his season. Regardless, Kyle Allen will remain the Panthers’ starting quarterback for the foreseeable future until we get a better timeline.
The Carolina Panthers announced on Monday that quarterback Cam Newton will miss a second consecutive game with a foot injury. Backup Kyle Allen will get a second straight start in his place. Allen completed 19 of 26 passes for 261 yards and four touchdowns en route to a 38-20 victory over the Arizona Cardinals.
Newton injured his foot in the preseason, and aggravated it in Week 2 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He sat out all three practices last week, and it appears that he will continue to sit out with no timeline in place for his return. Head coach Ron Rivera confirmed as much on Monday.
“What Cam needs right now is time and rest for his foot. We want him at 100 percent when he’s ready, so there’s no exact timetable for his return,” head coach Ron Rivera said. “At this point, we’re going to go forward with Kyle (Allen) as our starter.”
Fantasy impact: The Panthers didn’t miss a beat in Week 2, and actually looked better than they had previously. Allen focused on Greg Olsen and Curtis Samuel in the passing game, targeting each seven times. D.J. Moore had a 52-yard touchdown reception on one of his two targets, while Christian McCaffrey had a monster game on the ground with 153 rushing yards, a rushing touchdown, and three receptions for 35 yards.
Allen and the offense face a tough, but inconsistent Houston Texans defense in Week 4. They gave up 318 yards and two touchdowns to Philip Rivers in a 27-20 Week 3 victory. Gardner Minshew threw for 213 yards the week before, and Drew Brees threw for 370 yards the week prior. Allen is not a great road start, and if you have injury or bye concerns, there are probably safer options on your waiver wire.
Betting impact: The Panthers have opened as 4.5-point underdogs at the DraftKings Sportsbook. There will potentially be a little bit of movement, but considering Newton didn’t practice at all following a couple extra days off after Week 2 Thursday Night Football, his potential absence was probably baked into the Week 4 point spread to some degree.
Newton’s unknown timeline means there is a decent chance he won’t play in Week 5, but it will depend on how he responds to rest this week. The Panthers host Jacksonville in Week 5 and then face Tampa Bay in London in Week 6.
Odds and lines subject to change. See website for actual odds.
Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
*21+. NJ/WV only. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.