The Carolina Panthers have taken a slightly altered approach with Pro Bowl quarterback Cam Newton this season with giving his days from practice during the week.
This has once again been the case in the days leading up to Sunday's tilt against the Baltimore Ravens, which has drawn some questions about his availability due to soreness in his throwing shoulder. Head coach Ron Rivera eliminated any of those doubts as he stated on Thursday that he expects Newton to play this week, according to Kelsey Riggs of WCNC.
RR on if there is any doubt Cam plays Sunday:
“There is no doubt. None at all.” pic.twitter.com/xaTG8lKvnk
— Kelsey Riggs (@kelseyriggs) October 25, 2018
Newton has been working through some soreness in his right shoulder, but it doesn't look like it's something that will force him to miss any action at this point in time. The Panthers will continue to heavily rely on him to lead the offense with both his arm and legs like has done throughout his career. He has been able to play effectively without any physical limitations that helped him push the Panthers to a 4-2 record through the first six games played.
The 29-year-old is putting together a productive campaign where he has passed for 1,427 yards on career-high 65.6 percent completion rate along with 11 touchdowns to four interceptions and holds a 94.7 passer rating. He has also racked up 257 rushing yards on 52 attempts and three touchdowns. He is coming off a strong outing in the 21-17 win over the Philadelphia Eagles pushing his team to score 21-unanswered points on the road after completing 25-of-39 passes for 269 yards with two touchdowns and 49 rushing yards on seven attempts.
Newton and the Panthers will look to build off that momentum against the Ravens defense that should present a stiff challenge. Baltimore currently possesses the third-ranked defense that is fifth against the pass and ninth against the run. Newton's play should be quite indicative of how things will unfold for Carolina on Sunday afternoon.
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