Panthers’ Allen ready to step in for Newton
Panthers coach Ron Rivera is confident backup quarterback Kyle Allen can get the job done if Cam Newton can’t play Sunday against the Cardinals, a scenario that seems increasingly likely each day.
Allen took reps with the first team again yesterday after Newton missed his second day of practice with a mid-foot sprain. If Allen’s number is called, he would start Sunday against former college teammate Kyler Murray and Arizona.
“Kyle is a very bright quarterback who understands the game and grasps it very well,” Rivera said. “He’s got a good arm and he’s a good decision maker and he plays very fast. He has all of the intangibles you want in a quarterback.”
Rivera wasn’t ready to name Allen the starter, even though Newton remains in a boot after aggravating his foot injury last Thursday in a 20-14 loss to the Buccaneers. He said Newton still has been involved in the quarterback meetings and is “doing all the things he needs to do.”
But all signs are pointing to Allen getting his second NFL start for the Panthers (0-2).
Chiefs’ Fisher out
The Chiefs will be missing Eric Fisher for the foreseeable future after the Pro Bowl left tackle flew to Philadelphia on Monday to undergo surgery on a core muscle injury.
The Chiefs said Fisher hurt his groin in practice late last week, and he lasted just three snaps in Sunday’s victory over Oakland before spending the rest of the game on the sideline . ...
Eagles coach Doug Pederson canceled practice and the injury-plagued team instead had a walkthrough.
Wide receivers DeSean Jackson and Alshon Jeffery, tight end Dallas Goedert, running back Corey Clement and defensive tackle Tim Jernigan were hurt in a 24-20 loss at Atlanta. None of them would have been available for a full practice.
Cowboys cut Charlton
The Dallas Cowboys waived defensive end Taco Charlton, who didn’t live up to his billing as a 2017 firstround pick.
The Cowboys made the move to clear a roster spot for defensive end Robert Quinn, who was suspended the first two games for violating the NFL’s policy on performance-enhancers. Quinn is set for his Dallas debut Sunday at home against Miami . ...
The Atlanta Falcons have a new backup plan if punter Matt Bosher hasn’t recovered from a groin injury by Sunday’s game at Indianapolis. Matt Wile worked on punts and kickoffs one day after he was signed to the practice squad.