Joe Webb

Panthers coach Ron Rivera told reporters that third-string quarterback Joe Webb had earned the right to stick around with a solid preseason, and that if he’s active in the future, it would be as a fifth receiver and special teamer.

The Vikings tried that, and he caught five passes last season before they lost interest in the experiment.

Though the Panthers are among the many teams who only activate two quarterbacks on game day, it’s probably worth keeping Webb around for the next month or so anyway. Until Newton gets back on the field and proves his ribs and surgically repaired ankle are sound, and that he’s caught up after an offseason spent watching practice instead of participating, having a Plan C in place is wise, the story points out.