The Carolina Panthers haven't changed their stance on the status of quarterback Cam Newton. Head coach Ron Rivera said on Monday that he's "confident" Newton will be ready for the season opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Panthers ‘confident’ Cam Newton will play Week 1, fantasy owners can relax
The Panthers remain steadfast that Cam Newton will start the season opener despite his rib injury. We break down the fantasy implications.
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Newton suffered a hairline rib fracture in the third preseason game. He’s expected to be limited in practice this week and will wear a flak jacket on Sunday. Newton also missed part of training camp with offseason ankle surgery, but it’s not expected to be a factor. Entering his fourth NFL season, Newton has yet to miss a start so far.
Fantasy impact: Newton might run less at the start of the season due to his injury, but otherwise he should be ready to go. There are concerns about his offensive line and receiving corps, but Newton should continue being a safe QB2 for fantasy purposes. Look for him to hook up often with rookie Kelvin Benjamin, who shined in the preseason and should see plenty of red zone targets.
