 Newton and the Panthers began struggling in the month of November.After the Panthers lost to the New Orleans Saints in Week 15, which was their sixth straight loss after starting 6–2, Newton acknowledged a nagging shoulder injury that had been hampering his play during the losing streak, and hinted that the team would deactivate him for the final two games of the season in order to heal.On January 24, 2019, Newton officially underwent right shoulder surgery.In a poll orchestrated by writers from "The Athletic", Newton was voted the most underrated quarterback in the league by 85 defensive players from 25 teams.