Cam Newton Injury: Will Injuries Derail Newton's Promising Season?

It was fitting that Carolina Panthers rookie quarterback Cam Newton was injured in the same week that Philadelphia Eagles star Michael Vick was on Sunday because they both are similar in that they're dual-threats and carry the same concerns.

Newton has already impressed and made a lot of doubters turn their heads (including this one). Through two games, he's passed for 854 yards and three touchdowns, despite playing against the Green Bay Packers' vaunted defense on Sunday. He is going through some growing pains, with four interceptions thus far, but he's completed 62 percent of his passes so far and passed for over 400 yards in each of his first two games.

But he's also a scrambling quarterback, the type that can be a nightmare for opponents and his team's medical staff in the same breath. There will always be concerns that he could become injury-prone, based on his style of play alone.

Now, he twisted his ankle in the second half of the Panthers' 30-23 loss because he was sacked, not because he was running around, but it does bring up an interesting point: Will injuries derail Newton's promising season, one way or another?

It's certainly possible, and something the Panthers will obviously be monitoring throughout the season. Newton has already rushed 18 times for 71 yards and two scores, but the problem with the "Michael Vick Experience," as has been the cliche, is that it can be both entertaining and dangerous, kinda of like a rickety roller coaster ride.

Joe Person of The Charlotte Observer pointed out Newton was in a walking boot on Monday, although he also said it doesn't appear serious and Newton is expected to practice this week. So, for now, there's no reason for too much concern.

But it's also worth noting Newton has taken eight sacks thus far. That's not exactly protecting your franchise quarterback. Maybe the offensive line is what the Panthers should be most concerned with heading into Week 3.

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LIFE HURTS. THIS INJURY UPDATE BROUGHT TO YOU BY DICKIES.