CHARLOTTE – After completing Tuesday's practice without quarterback Cam Newton on the field, head coach Ron Rivera met with the media and shed some more light on the situation.
Rivera said Newton, who suffered a left midfoot sprain in the third preseason game at New England, reported foot soreness after the loss to Tampa Bay on Thursday Night Football.
Per Rivera, Newton underwent treatment over the weekend, and the coach and quarterback met again Tuesday morning to reassess.
"He was low about it, he really was. He wants to compete so badly," Rivera said.
"It's tough. He wants to be out there for his teammates. I appreciate our conversation. He was very honest and he was up-front about it. He said he's going to do everything he can. We'll see what happens."
If Newton can't go against the Cardinals, Rivera confirmed that Kyle Allen will step in as the starting quarterback.
Allen appeared in the final two regular season games last season, leading Carolina to a 33-14 road win over the Saints as the starter in the finale.
"I think Kyle is more than ready," Rivera said. "We feel confident, we really do."
