Cam Newton on track to start week 1 for Carolina Panthers
By Hayden Kane
Coming off an outstanding season in 2013 in which they won their division and reached the postseason, the Carolina Panthers enter week 1 of 2014 with more questions than answers. Chief among those questions, of course, is the health of quarterback Cam Newton.
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
Newton’s status has been up in the air all week as he deal with a hairline fracture to his ribs. As of Saturday, it sounds like Newton has made enough progress to be ready to start on Sunday in week 1.
Jason La Canfora reports the following:
Cam Newton took full reps for the Panthers today with no setbacks. Would seem on target to start against the Bucs
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) September 6, 2014
Newton has a lot of work to do this season, left to prove that he can lead Carolina’s offense to competent levels after the departures of two offensive linemen and all of his wide receivers from last year. That was going to be challenging enough with good health, let alone while dealing with a rib injury at the beginning of the season.
As if all of that were not enough, the Panthers are staring down a wicked match-up to open the season. The Buccaneers might have gone 4-12 last season, but they did so with a top-10 defense that only looks to be stronger this season. Newton will face one of the best defensive lines in football to open a season in which there are big questions about his offensive line.
Need more NFL news? Be sure to bookmark FanSided’s NFL Rumors and News page to stay up to date on the latest action from the world of football.