Carolina Panthers rumors: Derek Anderson to start on Sunday?

Nov 3, 2013; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) is introduced before the game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 3, 2013; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) is introduced before the game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Carolina Panthers are set to kick off their season this weekend against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers but they may have to do so without Cam Newton under center.

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Newton suffered a rib injury against the New England Patriots this preseason and he hasn’t been able to fully recover since. There was rumbling that he may not start on Sunday against the Bucs, but those rumors and rumblings are starting to look more prophetic than we all thought.

As pointed out by JoeBucsFan, both Cam Newton and backup quarterback Derek Anderson attended the FOX production meeting for this Sunday’s game which means something unless it doesn’t.

"Saturday, in a mandatory production meeting with the FOX crew who will work the game, not only did Newton show up, but so too did his backup, Derek Anderson."

Of course, this could be reading way into things and it could just be the Panthers being cautious. But what it does mean is that if Newton plays, he’ll be operating at well below 100 percent and that’s something that could help the Bucs get off to the start they’re hoping for.

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