Normally when a quarterback sits out practice mid week, you have to take note. The closer we get to Sunday, the less likely a player that hasn’t suited up for practice will play in the game.
Unfortunately for the Carolina Panthers, that’s the situation Cam Newton finds himself in. According to Joseph Person of the Charlotte Observer Newton sat out practice on Wednesday. In addition to this, Panthers head coach Ron Rivera isn’t sure whether the fourth-year quarterback will be able to go on Thursday.
Rivera did indicate that he remains confident that Newton will be able to go against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, but that was more of a “because we know what type of guy said player is” type of thing.
Newton suffered a hairline fracture of the ribs in Carolina’s third preseason game against the New England Patriots two weeks ago. He’s been a no-go in practice since.
If for whatever reason Newton is unable to go, Derek Anderson would be called on to start the season opener. The nine-year veteran hasn’t started a game since he was a member of the Arizona Cardinals back in 2010. Needless to say, the Panthers need Newton on the field come Sunday.
Photo: USA Today