QB Cam Newton, tight end Greg Olsen and running back Jonathan Stewart — the Panthers three offensive stalwarts — all had injury scares. Olsen injured his left knee and Stewart his left ankle, prompting Rivera to sit both for the entire second half with the Panthers leading 28-0. They were set to undergo "precautionary MRIs" on Monday, but HC Ron Rivera said after the game both could have gone back in.
Newton banged his funny bone, causing his hand to go numb briefly, but returned after sitting out one play and later threw his third touchdown pass of the game.
The Panthers still need to clinch home field advantage and according to the article, the team plans to play their starters this week to try and wrap things up. It appears Olsen and Stewart will be good to go. But then, it will become a battle between going for a perfect season or resting players down the stretch.
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