Panthers' Ron Rivera expects Cam Newton to be ready for Week 2

Carolina Panthers head coach Ron Rivera said Monday that he expects quarterback Cam Newton to be "ready to roll" in Week 2.

Carolina Panthers head coach Ron Rivera said Monday that he expects quarterback Cam Newton to be "ready to roll" in Week 2, according to the Charlotte Observer.

Newton will practice Wednesday and should start on Sunday as long as he has no setbacks.

Newton sat out Carolina's season-opening win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers due to a fractured rib sustained in the team's preseason game against the New England Patriots on Aug. 22.

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Last week, Newton had progressed to the point that he was a game-day decision to play against the Buccaneers. Rivera ultimately decided to sit Newton to avoid further injury, but the quarterback said he wanted to play 'in the worst way.'

“The conversation I eventually had with him was hard. It was probably one of the hardest decisions I’ve had to make. But at same time, it was a decision I had to make,” Rivera said. “In the long run, win or lose, we’re better off now. He’s going to get another week into his recovery, which the doctors were all pointing to.”

In Newton's absence, backup Derek Anderson threw for 230 yards and two touchdowns in the Panthers' 20-14 win. At one point, Newton ran onto the field to address his teammates, which is a violation of rules.

Newton threw for 3,379 yards, 24 touchdowns and 13 interceptions last season. Carolina hosts the Detroit Lions in Week 2.

- Ben Estes