Jul 26, 2017; Spartanburg, SC, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) throws a pass during training camp held at Wofford College. Photo Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Panthers quarterback Cam Newton will not play in Carolina’s preseason opener Wednesday.
Soreness in his right shoulder limited Newton in training camp practices and the Panthers are taking the risk-averse route in August, coach Ron Rivera said.
Newton was able to throw in practice Monday and again Tuesday, when he worked mostly on a side field with a trainer.
Rivera did not seem panicked and kept his narrow next-man-up mindset.
“No adjustments,” Rivera said. “We’re installing our offense. We’re not going to wait on anybody.”
The Panthers open their preseason schedule with Wednesday night’s home game against the Houston Texans.
Veteran Derek Anderson filled in for Newton in the past. But while Anderson has been steady at times, he lacks the dynamic elements that Newton brings to the offense.
Newton went through certain repetitions with the first-team offense in recent sessions at training camp.
“We’ll get Cam out there with the 1s (on running plays),” Rivera said. “We’ve got to build it up. … I can’t wait until they clear him and he starts throwing again.”
