Impact For now, P.J. Walker still appears likely to draw the Week 10 start in place of the injured Sam Darnold (shoulder), but neither Rhule nor general manager Scott Fitterer dismissed the idea of Newton being available Sunday, depending on how quickly the 32-year-old can pick up the team's playbook, per Alexander. Even if he doesn't make his 2021 debut this weekend, Newton should get the opportunity to start before long, given that Darnold is expected to be sidelined for several weeks. Furthermore, Adam Schefter of ESPN reported that Newton's deal guarantees him $4.5 million plus an additional $1.5 million in roster bonuses, and that sort of compensation suggests Newton isn't rejoining Carolina just to hold a clipboard. Newton is far removed from the MVP season he submitted in 2015 during the Panthers' second trip to the Super Bowl, and even though he wasn't especially effective from a real-life standpoint as a 15-game starter for the Patriots last season, he was still a useful fantasy option on the strength of his rushing ability. He helped offset a lowly 8:10 TD:INT and an NFL-low 171.1 passing yards per game by racking up 592 yards and 12 scores on the ground.
NOVEMBER 11, 2021 • ROTOWIRE
