Image via Complex Original
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Let's go ahead and get the bad news out of the way first. Earlier today, Carolina Panthers head coach Ron Rivera revealed that Cam Newton has a hairline rib fracture. Now, before you go calling this upcoming season a wash, let's give you the (we think) good news. "I do [expect him to be ready for the season opener], but a lot of it is he had to get past the soreness, which we expect, and we'll see how he starts to progress," Rivera added while speaking with the media following Sunday's practice.
For the past few months, Newton has been recovering from a procedure performed back in mid-March to "tighten" the ligaments in his left ankle. Now, just when he thought everything was on the up-and-up, Cam is dealing with a crack in his rib after New England Patriots linebacker Jamie Collins stepped on the Panthers star quarterback's back on Friday. Of course, it goes without saying, but the 25-year-old is a tough guy. But given his importance to the franchise, if Newton needs to miss a couple additional games in the regular season, then so be it. Make sure Cam is 100 percent before throwing him into the fire.
[via ESPN]