Carolina Panthers center Ryan Kalil feels that the team did the right thing by shutting down star quarterback Cam Newton for rest of the 2018 season.

Newton has been dealing with a shoulder issue for a while now, and it's been more than obvious during Carolina's current six-game losing streak.

So, with the Panthers now on the outside looking in when it comes to grabbing a playoff spot, the team is expected to keep Newton sidelined for the remainder of the year.

And Kalil thinks that while it was undoubtedly a difficult decision for all parties, it will likely benefit Newton in the long run.

From Jourdan Rodrigue of the Charlotte Observer:

Ryan Kalil: I know it has been a tough decision, because Cam would feel like he’s letting his team down. Adds that it’s a smart decision, however, because Cam is a young guy with a lot of football left.

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At this point, the Panthers simply have very little to play for, so it makes no sense to put Newton back under center and allow him to take more hits.

While this season has certainly turned in the opposite direction after a 6-2 start, there's no doubt that the franchise will need a healthy Newton next year if it wants to climb back up the NFC ladder.

Taylor Heinicke will now likely command the Panthers the rest of the way, with the third-year pro appearing in five games this season while going 2 for 4 for 46 yards.

There's a good chance he'll get to throw a few more than that when the Panthers host the Atlanta Falcons this weekend.