Ron Rivera: Cam Newton a ‘game-time decision’ vs. Buccaneers
By Sam Richmond
Cam Newton’s status for Week 1 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers continues to look more unclear by each passing day.
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Carolina Panthers head coach Ron Rivera and Newton, who suffered a hairline fracture in his ribs on Aug.22, had long maintained that the quarterback was a lock to play versus the Bucs. But a day after Newton didn’t practice, Rivera called his star a “game-time decision” on Thursday, according to Jonathan Jones of the Charlotte Observer.
Newton also made comments that make one question whether he’ll be out there in the season-opener.
"In the weeks since fracturing his rib against New England, Newton has expressed confidence when asked if he would be ready for Week 1. Thursday he started to hedge his bets.“Every day I have an opportunity,” Newton said. “Now we have days, and in a couple of days it’ll be down to hours. And then hours will be down to minutes. Hopefully when that clock starts I will be on that field. I’m being optimistic about this whole thing and I have no other choice but to be that way.”"
Still, Newton said he expects to play.
Cam says right now he's on pace to play Sunday vs. Bucs.
— Joe Person (@josephperson) September 4, 2014
Rivera agrees with Cam's assessment that he's on pace to play Sunday.
— Joe Person (@josephperson) September 4, 2014
It’s hard to get a read on this situation with the seemingly mixed-messages being thrown out there by Newton and Rivera.
One thing is for sure: Carolina desperately needs Newton if it wants to win Sunday.