Panthers' Cam Newton Dealing With Fractured Rib

ESPN is reporting that Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton suffered a hairline fracture to a rib during Friday night's game against the New England Patriots.

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Coach Ron Rivera is optimistic Newton, who missed most of the offseason recovering from surgery on his left ankle, will be ready to play in the Sept. 7 opener at Tampa Bay.

"I do [expect him to be ready], but a lot of it is he had to get past the soreness, which we expect, and we'll see how he starts to progress," Rivera said after Sunday's practice.

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The injury occurred when New England linebacker Jamie Collins stepped on the quarterback's back at the end of a 7-yard scramble. He sat out a play and returned to the game.