Cam Newton was not present when the Patriots hit the field for practice Monday, and now we know why.
The team released the following statement explaining why Newton will miss not just Monday's practice, but Tuesday's and Wednesday's as well:
"On Saturday, Cam Newton traveled to a Club-approved medical appointment that required him to leave the New England area. He received daily Covid tests, which were all negative. Due to a misunderstanding about tests conducted away from NFL facilities, and as required by the NFL-NFLPA protocols, Cam will be subject to the five-day entry cadence process before returning to the facility. Cam will continue participating virtually in team activities and return to the club facility on Thursday, August 26."
That means Newton will miss at least the first of two joint practices with the New York Giants, which begin Wednesday.
The Patriots then face the Giants in their preseason finale on Sunday. It's unclear if Newton will play or if Bill Belichick was planning for him to play in that game regardless.
According to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, only unvaccinated players are subject to the five-day re-entry process, seemingly confirming that Newton has not yet been vaccinated.