CHARLOTTE — The Panthers feel good enough about Cam Newton's progress to this point that they're willing to make him one of just two quarterbacks active for Sunday's game against Washington.
Recently acquired quarterback Matt Barkley, who arrived two days before Newton was signed, is inactive for Sunday's game against Washington.
That leaves just Newton and P.J. Walker active for the game. Panthers head coach Matt Rhule said Friday that Newton will take the first snap today, but that Walker would likely also play since Newton's still learning the offense.
Also inactive for the game are wide receiver Shi Smith, safety Kenny Robinson, cornerback Rashaan Melvin, and defensive tackle Phil Hoskins.
That leaves them with just five cornerbacks active for the game, though they've had more up in recent weeks.
Veteran right guard John Miller is also going back into the starting lineup this week, after he missed the previous three with an ankle injury. He's replacing Trent Scott, which means the Panthers will have their eighth combination of starting linemen in 11 weeks.
CAROLINA INACTIVES
WR Shi Smith
QB Matt Barkley
S Kenny Robinson
CB Rashaan Melvin
DT Phil Hoskins
WASHINGTON INACTIVES
WR Curtis Samuel
WR Antonio Gandy-Golden
CB Corn Elder
DE Shaka Toney
T Saahdiq Charles
TE Ricky Seals-Jones
