Carolina Panthers: Roster issues entering Week 1 play

CHARLOTTE, NC - SEPTEMBER 23: head coach Ron Rivera and Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers watch from the sideline against the Cincinnati Bengals in the fourth quarter during their game at Bank of America Stadium on September 23, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

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CHARLOTTE, NC – AUGUST 17: Cam Newton #1 and teammate Kyle Allen #7 of the Carolina Panthers react after a third quarter touchdown against the Miami Dolphins during the game at Bank of America Stadium on August 17, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

Quarterback Play

Cam Newton was supposed to play in the third preseason game and help dispel any fears about his surgically repaired throwing shoulder. Instead, he suffered another injury (ankle) and was forced from the game without putting fears to rest.

Now he enters Week 1 play potentially less than 100-percent and still with concerns about how his health can hold up throughout the entire season. Playing the Thursday night game in Week 2 is also a concern for Newton and just how much wear and tear he can take while on the field for a full game.

Behind him, the Panthers settled on rookie Will Grier and Kyle Allen to assume the backup responsibilities but neither is proven. While true that no one can replace Newton, if he misses any significant time early, it would be interesting to see if Hurney and Rivera decide to put the fate of the season in either of their hands.

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