NFL roundup: Cam Newton throws for the first time since surgery
By Brad Weiss
Cam Newton is working hard to make sure he is ready when the Carolina Panthers open up their 2017 NFL season.
During the 2015 NFL season, Cam Newton established himself as the most productive quarterback in the league. The league MVP of that season, Newton led his Carolina Panthers teammates to the Super Bowl, only to lose to the Denver Broncos. The expectations were high last season, but Newton struggled, and this offseason, had surgery on his throwing shoulder.
On Monday, Newton began to throw for the first time, and while he is not 100 percent, he should be ready for training camp. The Panthers are expected to bounce back in 2017, and with a healthy Newton under center, they could once again be the kings of the NFC South.
Staying in the NFC South, some sad news for the New Orleans Saints. Defensive lineman Nick Fairley will miss the 2017 NFL season with a heart issue. Fairley was diagnosed with an enlarged heart before he even entered the NFL, but the issue is now life-threatening. There is no word as to whether his career is over, but we certainly wish him nothing but good health moving forward.
Michael Floyd signed with the Minnesota Vikings this offseason to turn his life, and his career around, but he continues to struggle. Floyd failed an alcohol test on Day 90 of his 96 day sentence, and will now have to spend a day in jail. In addition Floyd will have to complete his final five days of house arrest. The wide receiver blamed the failed test on Kombucha tea, which he did not know had alcohol in it.
The Atlanta Falcons have one of the better running backs in the NFL in Devonta Freeman, and it appears he is about to be paid like one. Freeman is entering the final year of his rookie contract, which is only slated to play him a little under $1.8 million. Team owner Arthur Blank expects a new extension to be signed soon, as he knows just how valuable his young running back is to the future of the organization.
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Finally, one former running back is in some serious legal trouble. Ahman Green, who once was the premier back for the Green Bay Packers, was arrested for felony child abuse on Monday. Green allegedly punched his 15-year old daughter in the face, and has been ordered to stay away from her, and whoever witnessed the incident. The former Nebraska Cornhusker was released on a $2,500 signature bond, with a court date pending.