Panthers quarterback Cam Newton: 'No doubt' I'll play in season opener
Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newtonsaid Wednesday there is "no doubt in (his) mind" that he will play in the team's season opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Newton will not play in the Panthers' preseason finale against the Pittsburgh Steelers, but Carolina head coach Ron Rivera told reporters Newton will travel to Pittsburgh to stay "engaged" with the team. The quarterback will also continue to work with head athletic trainer Ryan Vermillion.
Newton sustained a hairline fracture in his rib in last Friday's preseason game against the New England Patriots.
"There's no doubt in my mind," Newton said. "I'm just going to worry about things that I can control. I'm going to continue to come in and get as much treatment as possible so my body will be 100 percent."
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Derek Anderson is listed as Newton's backup on the Panthers' latest depth chart. Joe Webb is ranked behind both. Quarterback Matt Blanchard was placed on injured reserve Tuesday after sustaining a concussion later in Friday night's game.
Either Derek Anderson or Joe Webb could start for the Panthers in Carolina's final preseason game Thursday night.
Last season Newton completed 62 percent of his passes for 3,379 yards and 24 touchdowns.
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