The Panthers are shutting down QB Cam Newton, possibly for the season.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Panthers are shutting down quarterback Cam Newton for at least one game and possibly the remainder of the season due to a lingering right shoulder problem.
Coach Ron Rivera said Taylor Heinicke will make his first career start when Carolina hosts the Falcons on Sunday. Newton will be inactive.
Rivera said Wednesday the team hadn't made a decision about Newton's status for Week 17 at New Orleans.
The Panthers (6-8) have lost six straight games and dropped out of playoff contention as Newton has struggled with an unknown shoulder issue. He had surgery in March of 2017 to repair a partially torn rotator cuff and has had problems ever since.
Newton started 14 games and threw for 3,395 yards with 24 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. However, he has just nine TD passes and nine interceptions during Carolina's six-game skid.
Jets’ Shell goes on IR
The New York Jets placed right tackle Brandon Shell on season-ending injured reserve with a knee injury.
Shell was hurt last Saturday in the Jets' loss to the Texans. He was carted off the field in the third quarter after left guard Spencer Long rolled into his left leg. Shell immediately grabbed at his knee as trainers ran onto the field to check on him.
Nicholson on non-injury list
Washington safety Montae Nicholson was placed on the NFL reserve/nonfootball injury list Wednesday.
Nicholson was arrested early Tuesday morning and charged with assault and battery and being drunk in public stemming from a fight at a retail complex near the team's practice facility. Loudoun County Sheriff's Office spokesman Kraig Troxell confirmed Nicholson's arrest and said Tuesday the 23-year-old had been released on $2,500 bond.
Odds and ends
NFL interception coleader Xavien Howard returned to practice Wednesday for the Miami Dolphins after missing two games because of a left knee injury. … The Broncos placed star cornerback Chris Harris Jr. on injured reserve and signed free agent Craig Mager, who was released by the Chargers earlier this season. … The Lions put rookie running back Kerryon Johnson on IR with a knee injury. Detroit also activated returner Jamal Agnew from IR. Agnew has been out since Week 5 with of a knee injury. … The Raiders have signed quarterback Nathan Peterman and linebacker Cayson Collins to the practice squad.