FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- Cam Newton will not play for the Carolina Panthers this weekend, the team announced Wednesday.
According to Bryan Strickland of the official team site, Panthers general manager Marty Hurney confirmed that fourth-year quarterback Taylor Heinicke will start against the Atlanta Falcons in place of Newton, who has been battling shoulder problems for the second half of the season. Per Strickland, Newton will be inactive on Sunday and rookie Kyle Allen is expected to be signed from the practice squad to serve as Heinicke's primary backup.
Heinicke has played in five games this season for the Panthers, completing two of his four pass attempts for 46 yards.
