Watch: Cam Newton Take Field For His First Padded Practice With Patriots

Veteran quarterback Cam Newton suited up for the first padded practice with the New England Patriots. Newton wore pads for his first real training camp practice. NBC Sports Boston shared a video of Newton taking the practice field. There are also some shots of the veteran stretching and throwing passes.

The Patriots need Newton

Newton was brilliant in limited action. He reps at quarterback with second-year quarterback Jarrett Stidham and veteran journeyman Brian Hoyer.

The coronavirus pandemic has changed the landscape of football as the virus affects continues to affect people. College football conferences have postponed the season hoping to see action in spring. However, everything will turn well for the NFL as teams are ready to start off the season.

According to Ben Volin from The Boston Globe, the NFL uses the help of BioReference Laboratories. They will set up 32 testing sites. This gives the capacity to test thousands of players and employees on a daily basis. Positive players will be quarantined before entering the facility. They won’t be able to return before passing a series of tests.

Eight players have opted out of the 2020 season. This includes Dont’a Hightower (LB), Patrick Chung (S), Marcus Cannon (OT), Brandon Bolden (RB), Matt LaCosse (TE), Danny Vitale (FB), Marqise Lee (WR), and Najee Toran (G).

Cam Newton is brilliant in the first padded practice with the Patriots

Newton has a chance to take the starting role in Week 1. Head coach Bill Belichick has yet to make a decision on this topic. Belichick likes Newton and everything he brings to the field. According to Belichick, Newton is “a hard-working kid.” Belichick won’t make any predictions on who will get the starting position.

“He’s worked very hard, I’d say, as all of our players have,” Belichick told media members. “I’d say that certainly for all the quarterbacks, at that position, those guys have been locked in, focused and confident in what they’re able to do and the information they have to give to the team.”

Patriots players like Newton, and they have built a strong connection. Rex Burkhead likes the impact Newton has on the game. Newton will have plenty of time to learn “as much as he can.” He is ready to accept the big challenge.