FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – New England Patriots quarterback Cam Newton returned to the team’s facility on Thursday and practiced after missing three days in a row due to a “misunderstanding” of the COVID-19 protocol with coach Bill Belichick that Newton “did not violate the rules of the team.” “
Belichick mostly referred to the team’s statement, which said the club approved Newton leaving the New England region for a medical appointment, when asked about how the “misunderstanding” occurred.
“I really have nothing to add. We issued a statement and I think that covered it as thoroughly as we can’t get into something long. So we’ll leave it at that,” Belichick said.
Newton’s absence opened the door for rookie quarterback Mac Jones to repeat No. 1 each of the past three days, and seemed to seize the opportunity Wednesday against the New York Giants, limiting his practice by bringing the offense to 80 units. touch-yard.
With Newton back on Thursday, Belichick said, “All quarterbacks will get jobs.”
Thursday marks the final practice of the Patriots training camp, and then the team will visit the Giants in the preseason finale on Sunday (6 p.m. ET).
The quarterback competition between Newton and Jones remains a major argument, and Belichick has consistently stated that Newton is the starter but that, like players of any position, he must restore that position during the preseason. Belichick has also said there could be a change in any position if someone performs better than the start or if the start is not available.
When asked when he needs to move from a lively quarterback competition to having a starter and giving that player the most replays to prepare him for the season opener on September 12 against the Miami Dolphins , Belichick said, “I don’t have a timeline on this … I’m not sure.”