Patriots news & rumors: Cam Newton’s status; Richard Sherman available

One of the most anticipated quarterback battles in New England Patriots recent history is back on.

According to a report by ESPN’s Mike Reese on Friday, veteran quarterback Cam Newton is expected to return to the practice field on Monday when the team begins its mandatory minicamp.

This comes over a week after Newton suffered a slight bone bruise in his finger after banging his hand on a helmet earlier during voluntarily OTAs.

At the time, there was some speculation that the injury would be severe enough to sideline Newton at least till late summer, but Bill Belichick addressed the injury as not series when he met with reporters last Thursday.

Patriots quarterback Cam Newton back in action

"“He’s doing alright,” Belichick said, via Patriots.com.  “He won’t be out there today but it’s nothing serious….He’ll be alright.”"

Newton indeed returned to practice on Friday and reportedly threw the ball around, which should put him back under center on Monday.

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Unless there is a setback or further injury, this sets the stage for a battle between Cam Newton and No. 15 overall pick Mac Jones.

While Belichick is trying to avoid characterizing this as a quarterback controversy, it would be just that if the rookie is able to prove he has much more of a handle on the offense than Newton.  That would actually be quite a feat for Jones, but with his talent and maturity, he could very well impress the coaches enough to make that call to start him over Newton.

Another wrench that could be thrown into the mix is third-year quarterback Jarrett Stidham, who might just have something to say about how takes snaps under center come Week 1 of the 2021 NFL season.

Interesting indeed…and the entire NFL will be watching to see how this battle turns out.

NFL rumors: Richard Sherman an option for Patriots

As long as veteran cornerback Richard Sherman is a free agent, he will be an option for the New England Patriots, especially if Stephon Gilmore decides to hold out due to his current contract situation.

If that actually becomes an issue, it would be very Bill Belichick to bring in a proven veteran cornerback to show Gilmore that the team would move on without him.

With J.C. Jackson ready to make that next step, bringing in another veteran like Sherman as a depth piece and insurance in case Gilmore does hold out is an affordable option.

A three-time All-Pro, Sherman has been limited due to injury over the

last couple of seasons, but he is still a high-profile free agent who is looking for the right situation for his next and possibly final stop in the NFL.

"“I want to get to a team that’s competing for a championship, so that’s what I’m focused on and waiting for a right opportunity,” Sherman said, via Bloomberg.  “When it comes, that’s where I’ll be.”"

The Patriots may not be knocking on the door of a championship at this stage of the offseason, but they could be a move or two away, especially if the quarterback battle referenced above catapults the re-vamped offense into something solid and more reliable than a season ago.

In conclusion, Richard Sherman in a New England Patriots uniform playing for Bill Belichick would be quite interesting.  It could turn out to be necessary depending on what happens with Gilmore.