Cam Newton fractured a rib in Friday night's preseason game

Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton fractured a rib in a preseason game Friday night, the Associated Press' Steve Reed reported Sunday.

Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton fractured a rib in a preseason game Friday night, the Associated Press' Steve Reed reported Sunday. 

Panthers head coach Ron Rivera told reporters Sunday Newton will not play in the team's final preseason game and that he expects him to be able to play in Carolina's season-opener against Tampa Bay Sept. 7. 

Newton suffered a hairline fracture at the hands -- or possibly at the foot -- of Patriots linebacker Jamie Collins. After Newton ran a scramble play for a seven-yard loss, Collins sacked Newton and then, according to replays of the play, stepped on Newton's back. Newton sat out one play before returning to the game.  

Newton was in visible pain Sunday at Bank of America Stadium, walking stiffly and hunched over, according to ESPN.com's David Newton. 

Either Derek Anderson or Joe Webb could start for the Panthers in Carolina's final preseason game Thursday night. Reserve quarterback Matt Blanchard is already out for the Panthers after receiving a concussion later in Friday night's game. 

Newton will be re-evaluated over the weekend. Last season, Newton completed 62 percent of his passes for 3,379 yards and 24 touchdowns. 

KING: The maturation of Cam

- Will Green