NFL notes: Panthers QB Cam Newton to have ankle surgery, out 4 months
Cam Newton will undergo surgery today on his left ankle and will be sidelined for four months, the Carolina Panthers announced.
The team said Tuesday the Pro Bowl quarterback has experienced soreness in the ankle since the end of last season and the problem simply wasn’t getting better.
“The ankle was sore after the San Francisco game and we wanted to see if rest would calm it down, but it is still bothering him and the decision was made to address it,” Panthers trainer Ryan Anderson said in a press release.
The Panthers lost to the 49ers on Jan. 12 in the NFC divisional playoffs.
The surgery will be performed by Panthers team physician Robert Anderson at Carolinas Medical Center. If all goes as expected, Newton could return before training camp begins at the end of July.
Newton led the Panthers to a 12-4 record last season and the NFC South championship. He was also selected to the Pro Bowl.
The news is particularly concerning for the Panthers since Newton is expected to be working with almost an entirely new group of wide receivers this season.
The Panthers released Steve Smith, the franchise’s all-time leader in receptions in a salary cap-related move last week. Brandon LaFell, the team’s other starter last season, signed with New England in free agency while top reserves Ted Ginn Jr. and Domenik Hixon signed free agent deals with Arizona and Chicago, respectively.
Around the league
The Cowboys have agreed to terms with Henry Melton, the third defensive lineman to join them in free agency since the release of franchise sacks leader DeMarcus Ware. Melton missed most of last season with the Bears after injuring his left knee. … The Saints have re-signed receiver Joseph Morgan for one year and have agreed to a four-year deal with free-agent fullback Erik Lorig. Morgan returns after a knee injury in training camp cost him all of last season. Lorig joins New Orleans after spending his first four NFL seasons with Tampa Bay, where he also played tight end. … The Bears have agreed to a one-year contract with defensive lineman Israel Idonije and are bringing him back for a second stint. Idonije spent last season with Detroit after playing his first nine for Chicago. … The Panthers announced they’ve signed unrestricted free-agent safety Roman Harper from the Saints to a two-year contract. … The Jaguars have signed free-agent receiver Tandon Doss, giving the team a big target. The 6-foot-2 Doss also could return punts for the Jaguars. … The Falcons have agreed to a contract with cornerback Javier Arenas. A second-round pick out of Alabama in 2010, Arenas has 12 starts with Kansas City and Arizona.