Panthers' Cam Newton diagnosed with hairline fracture in rib; team hopeful for Week 1 return

The Carolina Panthers will be without quarterback Cam Newton for their final preseason game as he recovers from a fractured rib.

Per the Charlotte Observer, head coach Ron Rivera said Newton underwent a CT scan Sunday morning, which revealed the injury in the lower portion of his right midsection.

Rivera declared Newton out for Thursday's game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, but said he expects him back for Week 1 of the regular season. He later referred to Newton's status as "week-to-week."

Newton suffered a back contusion during Friday's preseason game against the New England Patriots after taking what Rivera referred to as a "pretty good shot" from linebacker Jamie Collins at the end of a seven-yard scramble.

Newton was wearing a flak jacket at the time of the injury, but the contact occurred in the crease of it.

"Unfortunately what happened was, the way the flak jacket sits, that was the only crease in the protection. And wouldn't you know it, that's the one spot he got it on," Rivera said. "I just happened to be in the locker room when they brought him in at halftime and watched it and said where'd you get hit and he pointed right between the two shells. It's crazy how that happens but that's what happened."

The Panthers kick off the regular season Sept. 7 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.