FOXBOROUGH (Mass.) FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- New England Patriots quarterback Cam Newton returned Thursday to the team facility to practice after missing three days due to a COVID-19 protocol "misunderstanding." Coach Bill Belichick said Newton "didn’t violate team rules."
When asked how the "misunderstanding" happened, Belichick mostly referenced the statement of the team -- in which Newton was approved by the club to leave the New England region for an appointment.
"I don’t have much to add. We issued a statement and I believe that it covered the issue as well as possible without going into too much detail. We'll leave it at that," Belichick stated.
Newton's absence allowed rookie quarterback Mac Jones to assume No. He did 1 repetitions for each of the last three days and seemed to be taking advantage of Wednesday's opportunity against the New York Giants. On Wednesday, he led the offense to an 80-yard touchdown drive.
Belichick stated that Newton was back on Thursday and that all the quarterbacks would get work.
Thursday is the Patriots' last practice in training camp. The team will then visit the Giants for the preseason finale (6 p.m. ET). ET
Belichick has maintained that Newton is the starter, but that Jones must reestablish his position throughout the preseason. Belichick also stated that there may be a change in any position if someone performs well than the starter, or the starter isn’t available.
Belichick was asked when he would transition from a fierce quarterback competition to a starter and giving that player most repetitions to get him ready for the season opener against the Miami Dolphins on Sept 12. I'm not sure." "I'm not sure."
