Ron Rivera said Cam Newton, who suffered a left midfoot sprain in the third preseason game at New England, reported foot soreness after the loss to Tampa Bay on Thursday Night Football.
Per Rivera, Newton underwent treatment over the weekend, and the coach and quarterback met again Tuesday morning to reassess.
“He was low about it, he really was. He wants to compete so badly,” Rivera said.
“It’s tough. He wants to be out there for his teammates. I appreciate our conversation. He was very honest and he was up-front about it. He said he’s going to do everything he can. We’ll see what happens.”
Related players: Kyle Allen
If Newton can’t go, Rivera confirmed that Allen will step in as the starting quarterback. Allen appeared in the final two regular season games last season, leading Carolina to a 33-14 road win over the Saints as the starter in the finale. Rivera said Allen is "more than ready." Some who follow the team feel a healthy Allen is a better option right now than a banged up Newton. Carolina plays at Arizona in Week 3.
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