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Coach Ron Rivera said he will make a game-time decision on Newton's availability after the fourth-year quarterback was limited in practice Thursday while recovering from fractured ribs.
However, neither Newton nor Rivera sounded as optimistic about Newton's chances of playing as they did earlier in the week.
Newton said he's "on pace" to play and Rivera agreed,Wholesale Jerseys 2018.
Newton addressed the media during a press conference Thursday after practice and talked up backup quarterback Derek Anderson and his teammates.
Rivera also emphasized the Panthers don't want to risk further injury to Newton.
"We're not going to make a story out of that, because I am human," Newton said. "We all understand our limits,China Jerseys Cheap, we all know what we can and can't do. Like I told coach, and I want to confirm it to everybody, I will not put this team at risk to hurt it by anything."
He said entering the season injured has been "frustrating" and compared his body to an old car.
CHARLOTTE,Cheap Football Jerseys, N.C. (AP) — The Panthers are sounding less and less optimistic that Cam Newton will be ready for the team's regular season opener Sunday at Tampa Bay.
Newton fractured his ribs Aug. 22 in a preseason game against New England.
Rivera said Newton did what was asked of him at practice on Thursday,Jerseys NFL Cheap, but refused to say if the two-time Pro Bowl quarterback actually threw any passes.
"It's frustrating, because you know it's a good car. This car has got you to this point. Now it's like everything is happening. The thing is, you keep messing the car up, and you're not even driving it."
Newton has never missed a game during his football career — at any level — due to injury.
"It's not just about game one," Rivera said. "Let's be realistic. (The season) is not a sprint,Wholesale Authentic NFL Jerseys, this is a marathon. You may not start as fast as you want, but at the same time you have to start smart."
Newton has also struggled with an ankle injury this offseason, undergoing surgery in March.
"You fix the AC (air conditioning) and now the carburetor is out,Cheap Jerseys," Newton said. "Then you fix the carburetor, you've got a flat tire. You fix the tire, now your windshield wipers don't work.
He also talked for the first time about the possibility of sitting out.
"We don't want to put a guy out there who can't protect himself or take a hit," Rivera said. "We want to be smart about it."
Anderson, who has started 43 games during his NFL career, would start if Newton can't play.
"I don't want to ever put this team or myself in jeopardy that I'm just stressing to hurry up and get out there and I'm not able to be what makes me me," Newton said. |
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