The Carolina Panthers’ quarterback situation had a completely different feel Wednesday than it did Thursday.
On Wednesday, the Panthers had a franchise quarterback who might need surgery, at least one young quarterback who could be their backup of the future and an idling sense of urgency to add a free agent passer. Thursday, things got a little more clear.
Carolina announced Cam Newton underwent arthroscopic surgery Thursday on his surgically repaired right shoulder — the same shoulder that ended his 2018 season prematurely.
Which means the Panthers now have a franchise quarterback they hope is on his way back to full health - health that Carolina hopes will either keep them from having to either thrust a young backup into a starting role, or from spending money in free agency for a backup in an offseason where they need every extra penny.