Cam Newton’s status for Week 1 of the NFL season is a bit uncertain, but the Carolina Panthers feel comfortable with the contingencies they have in-house.
Speaking with reporters on Saturday, Panthers coach Ron Rivera was asked about the possibility of working out other quarterbacks amid Newton’s injury.
“No. We’re really good about who we have,” he replied, per Rick Bonnell of The Charlotte Observer. “We really like what we’re seeing. There have been some things, in terms of decision-making, that have been pretty good.
“[Backup quarterbacks Kyle Allen and Will Grier] haven’t delivered a good ball a couple of times — that’s been disappointing because we’ve had some guys who’ve been wide-open,” Rivera added. “But the progress that you see at practice, I know it’s not games, but you see the growth. We’re trying to develop one or two guys who can be here a while alongside Cam.”
Newton, the former MVP, went down with a mid-foot sprain in Thursday’s preseason game against New England, and Rivera also said that he is still in a walking boot. The 23-year-old Allen (3-of-6 for 16 yards) and the 24-year-old Grier (4-of-8 for 44 yards) were both underwhelming after Newton was hurt.
Carolina does seem optimistic about Newton’s status for the Sept. 8 opener against the LA Rams, and their opposition towards bringing in a veteran may be another indication of their confidence that he will be ready to go.
