Panthers place quarterback Cam Newton on injured reserve

PANTHERS' GM MARTY HURNEY'S STATEMENT: 

"For the past seven weeks, Cam has diligently followed a program of rest and rehab and still is experiencing pain in his foot. He saw two foot specialists last week who agreed that he should continue that path prescribed by the team's medical staff, and that it likely will take significant time for the injury to fully heal.

We have said all along that it is impossible to put a timetable on this injury. Nobody is more frustrated with that fact than Cam. He's one of the fiercest competitors I've been around during my 20-plus years in the League. At this time, we have decided that the best decision to reach the goal of bringing the foot back to 100 percent is to place Cam on injured reserve."

The team said Newton diligently followed a program of rest and rehab for the last seven weeks, but Tuesday, General Manager Marty Hurney said, "At this time, we have decided that the best decision to reach the goal of bringing the foot back to 100 percent is to place Cam on injured reserve."

Before this injury, the first pick of the 2011 draft had missed only three starts in seven years.

Some housekeeping: This keeps Cam out through the final 8 games, obviously. Door still slightly open for postseason returns, but that'd be in an extreme circumstance. So his season is effectively over. https://t.co/ukuKjo0d97

— Bill Voth (@PanthersBill) November 5, 2019

Bill Voth with Panthers.com said this keeps Newton out through the final eight games of the season, with a slim chance of a postseason return under an "extreme circumstance."

Shortly after the announcement, several team members took to social media to show their support of Newton, including quarterback Kyle Allen.

On Instagram, Allen posted a picture of the two hugging before a game with the quote "Thank you for setting the example. We got you."

On Tuesday afternoon, Newton responded to an Instagram post by the Panthers, saying that "Charlotte & @panthers will forever be in my heart !! I will work my tail off to be stronger, faster, SMARTER, AND ACCURATER for you guys !! until then I will continue to support the hell out of the @panthers and for @kyle_allen and @willgrier7 !!"

Newton was the league's MVP in 2015 but has lost his last eight starts dating back to last season.

Newton, 30, has one year left on his contract. He is scheduled to count $21.1 million against the 2020 salary cap. Should the team decide to move on from him after this season, it would clear $19.1 million in cap space.

Newton leads the Panthers in career touchdown passes (182) and rushing touchdowns (58). He is the first quarterback in NFL history with at least 50 rushing touchdowns, the most in league history.

He is third on the NFL's all-time rushing list for quarterbacks with 4,806 yards. Michael Vick leads the way with 6,109, followed by Randall Cunningham with 4,928.