Bill Belichick acknowledged Tuesday this is a big week for Mac Jones, who’s expected to work exclusively with the first team in Cam Newton’s mandate-breaking absence. With that in mind, one would think the door has been opened for Jones to become the starter for Week 1.
But Shannon Sharpe disagrees. On FS1’s “Undisputed,” the NFL Hall of Famer said he doesn’t think Newton’s five-day ban from training camp for “misunderstanding” Covid protocols will affect the starting race.
“I don’t think it will impact it at all,” Sharpe said. “I think Cam has looked really good in the preseason. I don’t really know how he’s looked in practice, but I think he’s looked well enough in practice that Coach Belichick lets him trot out every week when they open up the game with the starters. So I think Cam will maintain his lead.”
The Patriots announced Monday that Newton traveled to a “Club-approved” medical appointment outside of New England and had a “misunderstanding” about tests conducted away from NFL facilities. According to league policy, unvaccinated players must stay away from their teams for a five-day re-entry period when protocols are broken — basically confirming that Newton is unvaccinated.
NFL Media’s Mike Giardi reports there’s “frustration” around the Patriots over Newton’s mishap.
Sharpe didn’t totally back Newton. He acknowledged that being unvaccinated will put him and other players at a competitive disadvantage.
“I get this about this misunderstanding. But the NFL has made it abundantly clear. If you’re not vaccinated you’re going to be subjected to some very harsh protocols about being tested daily,” Sharpe said. “I don’t believe this is a misunderstanding. The NFL is like, ‘unvaccinated players, we want you to get vaccinated, because we’re not going to blow up our season.’”
With Newton expected to return Thursday, he’ll still have time to get ready for Sunday’s preseason finale against the Giants. After that, the season opener is in two weeks.
Sharpe believes that’s plenty of time to get back into a rhythm, provided Newton can stay on the field.
“Cam will have two weeks to get into a nice throwing rhythm,” Sharpe said. “I believe he’s in the lead. Can Mac Jones catch him? I don’t think so.”
