CAM VACCINATED, READY TO RETURN
Cam Newton says he has been vaccinated against contracting COVID-19 and is ready to return to the NFL.
The quarterback who was cut by New England just before the season began published a video on his YouTube channel saying it’s time to get back into pro football. He is a free agent.
“Hell yeah, I still want to play football,” Newton said in the video. “I still get that urge to go out and perform and do something that I’ve been doing since I was 7 years old.”
The 2015 NFL MVP was the Patriots’ starter for most of 2020, when they went 7-9 during a pandemic-impacted season. But New England went with first-round draft choice Mac Jones this year and released the 32-year-old
Newton.
There were COVID-19-related issues for Newton last season, and he was absent for three preseason practices this summer in what the team termed a misunderstanding about protocols.
Newton was not vaccinated when he was released, but says he now is. He added that “side effects weren’t beneficial to me” for not getting the vaccine, but was not specific about those side effects.
Eagles’ Johnson returns
Lane Johnson cleared up the mystery surrounding his three-game absence from the Eagles’ lineup, saying that he had been dealing with depression and anxiety, something he had “kept hidden from his friends and family.”
The right tackle had played every snap over the first three games of the season, then was listed as being out for personal reasons for the next three.
“I would like to thank everyone for their understanding and support over the last two weeks. I appreciate the positive notes and messages as I’ve worked hard to restore my personal life. Depression and anxiety are things I’ve dealt with for a long time and have kept hidden from my friends and family,” he wrote on Twitter. “If you’re reading this and struggling, please know that you are not alone. I am excited to rejoin my teammates & coaches. I’m grateful for the entire Eagles community and look forward to continuing to play in front of (the) best fans in the world!”
Johnson had the support of his teammates, with Jason Kelce saying he had told them what was going on in the first week of his absence.
Prescott makes promises
Dak Prescott promised not to miss any time after straining his right calf on the touchdown pass in overtime that gave the Cowboys their first win at New England since 1987.
The star quarterback believes he can deliver on that vow because the team is going into its open week. Even with the break, recent history with his teammates suggests Prescott’s view is optimistic.
Receiver Michael Gallup hasn’t played since the opener because of a calf strain. Four-time All-Pro Zack Martin missed the final five games last year after playing through one. He was injured in practice and aggravated the strain 10 days later, in the second game since the injury.
Prescott needed help getting to the locker room after the dramatic 35-29 win over the Patriots and wore a walking boot to the postgame meeting with reporters. An MRI was planned Monday.
“I’ve got a lot of confidence in myself and the medical team, and as I said I feel good,” Prescott said. “This (the boot) is a precaution. Didn’t hurt as bad obviously when you score and win the game.”
Notable
Vikings cornerback Patrick Peterson was placed on injured reserve after hurting his hamstring against Carolina and must miss a minimum of three games. Coach
Mike Zimmer said the injury was not believed to be season-ending, so the 11year veteran Peterson will be expected to return at some point during the second half of the schedule.
The Falcons placed right tackle Kaleb McGary on the COVID-19 reserve list, while top receiver Calvin Ridley returned to practice after skipping the team’s last game for personal reasons. McGary likely won’t be available when the Falcons (2-3) travel to Miami to face the Dolphins (1-5) on Sunday.
The Seahawks say tests on linebacker Darrell Taylor’s neck have come back clear and are not ruling him out of playing next Monday against the Saints.
The Cardinals await word on DL Rashard Lawrence (calf) and TE
Darrell Daniels (hamstring), but mostly they’re trying to work out virus issues and making sure guys can play.