New England Patriots quarterback Cam Newton took an excused absence from practice on Monday, according to multiple reports. Newton took an apparent lead in the quarterback competition during the first few weeks of training camp, but Bill Belichick wouldn’t formally name him the starter. This is Newton’s first absence since joining the Patriots.
Newton is in competition with Jarrett Stidham and Brian Hoyer to fill the job that Tom Brady left behind when he signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this offseason.
Newton was among a handful of absent players which included running back Damien Harris, center David Andrews, left tackle Isaiah Wynn, defensive tackles Beau Allen and Michael Barnett and cornerback Michael Jackson.
Update: Cam Newton has an excused absence from practice this morning, per a source. https://t.co/MPQLiToeYj
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) August 31, 2020
New England’s practice was the first closed session of training camp. Reporters were not permitted to stay and observe past warmups.
