The Carolina Panthers managed to scrape by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers without Cam Newton in Week 15 and, as amazing as it sounds, took over the top spot in the NFC South. The Panthers' playoff hopes have been boosted even more by the news that Newton could be back on the field this week.
Panthers optimistic Cam Newton will start on Sunday
Ron Rivera is reportedly taking the decision to play Newton this weekend one day at a time.
Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports
Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported Sunday that the Panthers are optimistic that Newton, who suffered minor fractures in his lower back last week in a car accident, will be ready to play against the Cleveland Browns in Week 15.
Panthers coach Ron Rivera said Monday that the quarterback’s status is day-to-day, but he’ll be able to take the field this week if he progresses on schedule and can avoid further injury. Via Joe Person of the Charlotte Observer:
“I don’t want to put a guy out there that can’t protect himself,” Rivera said Monday. “By that it’s being able to run out of the way, scramble out of the way, stay alive, keep the play alive by being able to get away. That’s all part of it. That’s all part of the decision that went into the first Tampa Bay game.”
Newton escaped serious injury when his pickup truck was struck and rolled over last Tuesday afternoon in Charlotte. He was diagnosed with two transverse process fractures in his lower back, the same type of injury that cost Tony Romo just one game earlier this season.
Backup Derek Anderson threw for 277 yards and a touchdown in the win over the Bucs, which moved Carolina to 5-8-1. Once left for dead, Carolina now controls its own fate heading down the final stretch of the season.
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