Newton’s shoulder injury may end his season

Panthers coach Ron Rivera hasn’t ruled out shutting down quarterback Cam Newton for the season because of a sore right throwing shoulder.

Rivera said Tuesday he plans to meet with Newton later in the week and figure out where he is “in terms of his physical state and mental state” before deciding if he will start Sunday against the Falcons.

“It’s a tough situation right now,” Rivera added. “Until I get a chance to visit with him I’m not going to speculate.”

“I’m not looking forward to that conversation,” Newton said after Carolina’s 12-9 loss to the Saints on Monday night.

The eighth-year quarterback was noticeably frustrated talking about his lingering shoulder injury. The 6-foot-5, 245-pounder was a mere shell of his former self, struggling to throw the ball more than 10 yards down the field.

“I think the thing, when you talk to different people who can help you with it, is that there’s not any magical surgery or whatever. It’s just time,” Newton said. “I’ve tried and done everything.”

Pro Bowl picks: The Chargers placed seven players in the Pro Bowl, including safety Derwin James, one of six rookies across the league to make the game.

James, a first-round draft choice, will be joined on the AFC squad by veteran quarterback Philip Rivers, wide receiver Keenan Allen, running back Melvin Gordon, defensive end Melvin Ingram, center Mike Pouncey and special-teamer Adrian Phillips for the game, which will be played Jan. 27 in Orlando, Fla. James and Phillips are the only starters.

Rivers will be a backup to the Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes, one of 29 first-time Pro Bowlers. That, of course, includes all the rookies: James, Giants running back Saquon Barkley, Seahawks punter Michael Dickson, Broncos running back Phillip Lindsay, Colts guard Quenton Nelson and Browns cornerback Denzel Ward. Lindsay was an undrafted player.

The Saints, Cowboys and Bears paced the NFC with five players each.

Extra points: The Seahawks placed G Jordan Simmons on injured reserve after he suffered a knee injury last week against the 49ers. They also signed rookie RB Bo Scarbrough off the Jaguars’ practice squad . ... The Raiders placed starting RG Gabe Jackson on injured reserve with an elbow injury . ... The Bills signed WR Victor Bolden off the 49ers’ practice squad and placed RB Marcus Murphy on injured reserve. Murphy’s season is over after he dislocated his left elbow in the second quarter of a 14-13 win over the Lions . ... The Colts put starting DT Al Woods on injured reserve with a foot injury . ... The Falcons signed RB Jeremy Langford from the practice squad to replace Ito Smith, who was placed on injured reserve on Monday with a knee injury . ... Redskins S Montae Nicholson was arrested early Tuesday morning and charged with assault and battery and being drunk in public stemming from a fight at a restaurant and retail complex near the team’s practice facility in Ashburn, Va.