Ron Rivera: “No Doubt” Cam Newton Plays Week 1

Panthers HC Ron Rivera told reporters Tuesday “there’s no doubt in my mind” that QB Cam Newton would be ready to play Week 1, per Joseph Person.

It’s an upgrade from the Panthers’ previous statement that they were “cautiously optimistic” Newton would be ready for the season opener against the rams.  

Newton suffered a scare last week in the third preseason game against the Patriots, going down with what the team called a mid-foot sprain.

He was later seen leaving the stadium in a walking boot which he has since shed. Newton has also done some throwing in practice this week per reports. 

Newton has been working his way back from a season-ending shoulder injury he dealt with last year. He underwent offseason surgery for the issue but has managed to avoid being placed on the injured lists. 

Newton, 30, is a former first-round pick of the Panthers back in 2011. He entering the fifth year of his six-year, $118.47 million contract that includes $60 million guaranteed and stands to make base salaries of $16.2 million and $18.6 million over the final two years of the agreement.

In 2018, Newton appeared in 14 games for the Panthers threw for 3,395 yards while completing 67.9 percent of his passes to go along with 24 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. He also rushed for 488 yards and four touchdowns.