QB NEWTON NOT READY FOR FULL PRACTICE
Cam Newton was limited to mostly light throwing during practice as the Panthers continued preparations for their game Sunday against the Saints.
Newton is expected to start.
Panthers coach Ron Rivera called Newton’s limited practice schedule during the week the “new normal” until the quarterback completely recovers from offseason rotator cuff surgery.
Rivera said the Panthers want Newton to be out there to shake the rust off, “but what you don’t want to do is not give the arm a chance to rest.” The coach said Newton “went through a surgery, and we have to understand that rest is the best thing for him.”
Two-time all-pro center Ryan Kalil, who missed last weekend’s game with neck soreness, has not practiced this week. Tyler Larsen is taking reps with the first team.
Players ask for help.
A group of current and former NFL players asked commissioner Roger Goodell for the league’s support for their campaign for racial equality and criminal justice reform.
Yahoo Sports reported that the players sent a 10page memo to Goodell and NFL executive Troy Vincent in August asking for money, political involvement and other commitments from the league. It also asked the NFL to recognize the month of November as activism awareness month.
The website reported that Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett, Eagles safety Malcolm Jenkins and wide receiver Torrey Smith and former NFL wide receiver Anquan Boldin co-authored the letter.
The NFL declined comment when asked about the memo by Yahoo Sports.
Footnotes.
The Jets signed linebacker David Bass, adding a veteran pass rusher. To make room on their roster, the Jets waived linebacker Freddie Bishop. They also resigned wide receiver and kick returner Kalif Raymond to the practice squad three days after he was waived following his momentum-turning fumbled punt at Oakland. … The banged-up Packers lost another key player to injury: Outside linebacker Nick Perry is scheduled to have hand surgery. Coach Mike McCarthy said he doesn’t know how much time Perry will miss. He was off to a good start as the bookend to fellow edge rusher Clay Matthews with 1½ sacks. The Packers’ first-round draft pick in 2012, Perry had a breakout season last year with 11 sacks in 14 games.