New England Patriots quarterback Cam Newton Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports

Patriots QB Cam Newton exits practice early with hand injury

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 6/4/21

New England Patriots quarterback Cam Newton exited Friday's practice with an injury to his right hand, according to ESPN's Mike Reiss.

The veteran signal-caller appeared to hit his hand on a helmet while following through on a throw. It's unclear exactly what happened, but Newton remained on the field and observed the rest of practice.

Cam Newton didn’t finish practice, as an athletic trainer and doctor were looking at his right hand about halfway through the workout. Patriots QBs were working on a drill in which a soft pad is tossed at them and the pad appeared to make contact with his hand on follow-through.
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) June 4, 2021

Newton is expected to be New England's starting quarterback entering the 2021 season after signing a one-year deal to return following a disappointing 2020 campaign. However, the Patriots selected Alabama's Mac Jones with the 15th overall pick in this year's draft, and he might get a shot if Newton struggles this year.

Jones led off 7-on-7 work with Newton sidelined, and Jarrett Stidham took the first snap of 11-on-11 drills later in the session. According to WEEI's Ryan Hannable, Stidham was the best quarterback on the field during Friday's practice.

Jarrett Stidham seemed to get Cam Newton's reps in team drills after Newton's hand/finger injury and he took full advantage. He was the best QB on the field Friday.
— Ryan Hannable (@RyanHannable) June 4, 2021