Ron Rivera maintains Cam Newton is fine, will play next Sunday

There has been a lot of criticism towards the NFL about how Cam Newton was handled on Thursday night, but Ron Rivera still isn’t joining that chorus.

Rivera is satisfied with the response to Newton’s hits to the head, and says the quarterback is sore but likely good to go on Sunday.

Ron Rivera fully expects Cam Newton to play vs. 49ers on Sunday. He said Newton's body is sore but head is fine.

— Steve Reed (@SteveReedAP) September 12, 2016

Greg Olsen, Ryan Kalil and Ron Rivera all said they trust Panthers' medical staff completely,always have dealt w/ concussions appropriately.

— Joe Person (@josephperson) September 12, 2016

Of course, Rivera has to watch himself, as he can’t go too far in criticizing NFL referees for failing to protect Newton as many have. It’s good that Newton seems okay, but the situation doesn’t sit well with many, nor should it.