GLENDALE, Ariz. - Not only is he back, he's already in uniform.
The Panthers activated quarterback Cam Newton for Sunday's game against the Cardinals, increasing the chances that he could appear in his first game with the team since 2019.
The Panthers are going to start P.J. Walker, since he's taken all the first-team snaps in practice this week. Newton was only around for one full practice on Saturday, along with Friday's walk-through.
But having him in uniform suggests that he could play some role in the game, at least in a limited fashion.
Newton made his first NFL start here in State Farm Stadium in 2011, throwing for 422 yards and two touchdowns, and running for another. He also won the national championship for Auburn in the building the year before.
Starting safety Juston Burris is active again as well. He's been out since Week 3 with a groin injury, and adds some experience to the secondary.
The Panthers deactivated the following six players for Sunday's game: Injured cornerbacks Rashaan Melvin and Stantley Thomas-Oliver III, defensive tackle Phil Hoskins, wide receiver Shi Smith, safety Kenny Robinson, and tight end Colin Thompson.
They promoted offensive lineman Mike Horton from the practice squad to give them eight active linemen for the game. They're expected to start Dennis Daley at left tackle and Pat Elflein at center to replace the two starters who went on IR last week (Cameron Erving and Matt Paradis).
PANTHERS INACTIVES
CB Rashaan Melvin
CB Stantley Thomas-Oliver
DT Phil Hoskins
WR Shi Smith
S Kenny Robinson
TE Colin Thompson
CARDINALS INACTIVES
QB Kyler Murray
WR DeAndre Hopkins
WR Andy Isabella
RB Jonathan Ward
S James Wiggins
G Justin Pugh
OL Max Garcia
View photos of Panthers players arriving at State Farm Stadium before today's Week 10 game against the Cardinals.
