Newton to take practice reps despite spraining foot

Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton will participate in practice this week despite his sprained foot, head coach Ron Rivera told Tiffany Blackmon of NFL Network.

Newton won't play in the Panthers' preseason finale on Thursday. Carolina's general manager Marty Hurney said on Friday morning the team is "cautiously optimistic" its star pivot will be ready for Week 1 of the regular season against the Los Angeles Rams.

Newton sprained his foot Thursday while making his preseason debut against the New England Patriots, suffering the injury during a sack. He exited the stadium in a walking boot.

The 2015 MVP was limited throughout the offseason while recovering from shoulder surgery.