NFL roundup: Cam Newton in line to start on Thursday
By Brad Weiss
Cam Newton has yet to take a snap in the NFL preseason this summer, but that will all change on Thursday night against the Jaguars.
During the 2015 NFL season, Cam Newton played so well that he was named the league’s Most Valuable Player. Last season, Newton and the Panthers struggled, failing to make the playoffs after getting to the Super Bowl the year before. Newton had shoulder surgery this past offseason and will finally give it a go on Thursday night, when his Panthers take on the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Despite the fact that he is slated to serve a six-game suspension if his appeal is not approved, Ezekiel Elliott plans to get some reps against the Oakland Raiders this weekend. Elliott was given a six-game suspension for his role in a domestic abuse incident, though he is fighting the suspension. The second-year back led the NFL in rushing last season, helping the Cowboys to the best regular season record in the NFC.
Houston Texans head coach Bill O’Brien once again stated that Tom Savage is his quarterback heading into the 2017 NFL season, despite the efforts of rookie Deshaun Watson this summer. O’Brien told reporters in Houston on Tuesday that Savage is his guy, though he did say Watson has a bright future in the league. Watson led the Clemson Tigers to the national title last season, putting together an epic performance in the team’s win over the Alabama Crimson Tide.
This past weekend, the rumor around the Philadelphia Eagles was that LeGarrette Blount might not make the team, but those rumors were squashed on Tuesday. Eagles head coach Doug Pederson told Jimmy Kempski of the Philly Voice that he expects Blount to play a huge role in the offense this season, calling him “a beast.” Blount led the NFL in rushing touchdowns last season, helping the New England Patriots to another Super Bowl title.
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Finally, the Arizona Cardinals are going to have one of their top linebackers back in the fold. The team activated Deone Buccanon off the PUP list, as they get ready to make a legitimate run through the NFC this season. The Cardinals have one of the more balanced rosters in the league, and after missing out on the playoffs last season, head coach Bruce Arians is certain to have his team out for blood in 2017.