The Carolina Panthers announced yesterday that quarterback Cam Newton is done for the season. That means Newton will not be under center this week with the Panthers take on the Atlanta Falcons. Nor will Newton be calling the plays when the Panthers come to New Orleans to close out the regular season against the Saints.

According to the team, Newton has been battling a shoulder injury for a large part of the season. They aren't making excuses but that would explain why the star quarterback has had such a lackluster year.

The Panthers were eliminated from the playoffs Monday night when they fell to the Saints by a final score of 12 to 9. In that loss, it was noted that Newton only threw one pass of 15 yards or more down the field.

Most pundits suspect that Taylor Heinicke will get the start Sunday at Atlanta. Heinicke's play this year has been limited to mop-up duty or to come in a throw some long "Hail Mary" passes.

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