#Jarrett Stidham’s hip injury brings early end to Patriots QB competition

The Patriots supposed quarterback competition, if there really ever was one, may be over now.

Jarrett Stidham will be out a few weeks with a hip injury, NFL Network reported, making it almost a near certainty Cam Newton will be Bill Belichick’s quarterback.

ESPN reported that the 24-year-old Stidham had his leg looked at Thursday at a nearby hospital and tests came back negative.

Newton, the former Panther who signed with New England in late June, being the Patriots starter was also seen as a likelihood considering his body of work as a former MVP and three-time Pro Bowler. Stidham, meanwhile, has thrown a grand total of four NFL passes. Now he’s even further behind.

The 31-year-old Newton has battled multiple injuries throughout his nine-year career, including an ankle injury that has lingered since college and was surgically repaired in 2014, concussions, a torn rotator cuff on his throwing shoulder that has required surgery twice and, most recently, a Lisfranc fracture he suffered during the third preseason game in 2019. But he has looked good so far.

“He’s definitely a former MVP for a reason. The guy is a professional. He works his tail off. He’s extremely dynamic, and he has a charming personality,” wide receiver Julian Edelman said of Newton on sports radio WEEI. “It’s been fun to be around. He has a confidence about him. All quarterbacks have a confidence, but it’s just a little different with Cam. It’s a vibe that can feel you and get you in a mindset.”