Panthers are ‘cautiously optimistic’ Cam Newton can play Week 1

The Carolina Panthers may get off to a rough start to the 2019 NFL season. Franchise quarterback Cam Newton continues to recover from shoulder surgery and now is dealing with a foot sprain. The foot sprain is threatening to keep him out of the season opener against the Los Angeles Rams.

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The Panthers are talented in other areas with arguably one of the best running backs in the league in Christian McCaffrey. As well as that, they have a stout defense. However, Newton is the engine that makes this team go and without him, they may be in trouble. According to Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic, the Panthers are cautiously optimistic about whether Newton will be ready for Week 1.

From Carolina Panthers GM Marty Hurney: "Cam Newton has a mid-foot sprain in his left foot, and we are cautiously optimistic he will be ready for week one."

— Jourdan Rodrigue (@JourdanRodrigue) August 23, 2019

If Newton is able to get back on the field and remain healthy for the majority of the 2019 campaign, the Panthers have a legitimate shot of making something happen this season. The NFC is a tough conference these days with some heavyweights like the Rams, New Orleans Saints, and Dallas Cowboys, but Carolina does boast a talented squad itching for a bounce-back year after a very disappointing end to last season.

Read: JuJu Smith-Schuster Will be a Dual Threat Next Season

However, if Newton is now on the decline, the Panthers brass may have to start thinking about a change at quarterback or at least embracing what may come in the near future. The team did draft one of the best quarterbacks out of college this year in Will Grier who could be thrust into the fire sooner rather than later and may have a chance to hold onto that job if he can lead this high-powered offense.