Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton is not expected to play the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday due to a rib injury, according to reports from NFL.com and FOX Sports.com. Jay Glazer of FOX Sports added that Cam could be out 3-4 weeks if he gets hit in the ribs during game action. Derek Anderson is now expected to start in Week 1, and perhaps longer.
Reports: Cam Newton not expected to play in Week 1 for fantasy, Panthers scared of aggravation
Multiple reports say Cam Newton won’t play against the Buccaneers. We break down the fantasy implications.
Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports
The prognosis is not good. Newton suffered his rib injury back on Aug. 23, but coach Ron Rivera has even said there was “no doubt” his quarterback would play in Week 1. Newton went through a full practice on Friday afternoon, but that workout may have exacerbated his rib issues..
To be clear, nothing is official here and the team has not made any statements regarding his status. Rivera was also very careful in his press conference on Friday outside of stating that Newton’s play will be a game-time decision.
Fantasy impact: When a team's best player goes down, it will have major implications. Kelvin Benjamin is almost unplayable and Greg Olsen isn't a complete lock either, meaning that he is a low-end TE1. Meanwhile, the Panthers will be using even more DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart. The Bucs have a very solid defense -- especially their front seven -- so fantasy owners will want to avoid the Panthers for the most part. Obviously, Cam owners had better get a replacement ready ASAP.
