Panthers’ Cam Newton (ribs) misses practice, status for Week 1 in question

Cam Newton, Ron Rivera and the Carolina Panthers have maintained that Newton would play in the team’s season-opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers despite a hairline fracture in his ribs.

More from Carolina Panthers

• NFL rumors: Eagles RB1 hint, Bryce Young shows out, C.J. Stroud slow play
• NFL Power Rankings: Who is the best quarterback in each division?
• Carolina Panthers RB has a truly wild Andy Dalton take
• NFL Power Rankings: Which teams will have the best rushing attacks this season?
• Bryce Young has one fiery obstacle in the way of his starting job

However, Super Cam’s status for Week 1 is in some doubt after the quarterback missed practice on Wednesday.

From Bill Voth of the Black and Blue Review:

"Panthers quarterback Cam Newton did not participate in Wednesday’s practice, and his status for Sunday’s season opener is murkier than it has been.(…)But while head coach Ron Rivera claimed Newton hasn’t had a setback, it’s clear his quarterback is still experiencing a good deal of pain.When asked if Newton’s nonparticipation was a planned part of his recovery, or a product of soreness, Rivera answered, “A lot of it had to do with the way he felt.”"

It’s certainly worth noting that Rivera still told Voth that he expects Newton “to be there (against the Bucs),” but it doesn’t appear to be the lock it once was.

Newton suffered the injury in Carolina’s Aug. 22 preseason matchup against the New England Patriots. The quarterback did not appear in the Panthers’ preseason finale.

Newton missing anytime would be disastrous for a Carolina team that many think will regress after a 12-4 season in 2013. This team would really benefit from a hot start and Cam is obviously the key to that.

Newton threw for 3,379 yards, 24 touchdowns and 13 interceptions last year.