Disappointed but not discouraged, that's how Ron Rivera and the Panthers view the QB situation

[Sir Purr]

CHARLOTTE – Is head coach Ron Rivera relieved after learning the extent of Cam Newton's foot injury?


Yeah, you could say that.


“Very much so,” Rivera said after the Panthers practiced Saturday. “Are you kidding? It’s your starting quarterback.”


Newton did not make an appearance at Saturday’s practice, and Rivera said the medical staff wants Newton to stay off his injured left foot for the time being. Newton is still in a walking boot and he rehabbed inside while the team practiced in light rain.


“We anticipate he’ll be back on the practice field pretty soon,” Rivera said. “There really isn’t any timetable. We’re going to do everything we can to make sure he’s right and ready to roll.”


That said, it's unlikely we'll see Newton on the field before next weekend, when preparation really begins to ramp up for the season opener against the Los Angeles Rams.


The Panthers will split their time this week between prep for the Rams and prep for the preseason finale against the Steelers, a game that will feature only reserves.


Of course it’d be preferable to have Newton healthy and on the practice field this week, but Rivera is choosing to look at it with a glass-half-full attitude.