As has been the theme all week long, Cam Newton is slowly taking steps towards his return – although he is one of three players ruled out on Sunday, he will travel with the team for the first time since aggravating the Lisfranc injury in his left foot in Week 2 as he continues his rehab – Newton worked on the side with trainers this week as opposed to in the building for the first time this week as well.
In the past month, Ron Rivera has expressed that the team did not want Newton to stand for over three hours on the sideline with a foot injury, so this is certainly a step in the right direction.
“He’s traveling,” said Rivera Friday. “According to how the doctors feel about it, he’s progressing along…. what they’re expecting – so hopefully, things will be fine on Sunday.”
Greg Little was also ruled out for the fifth time in seven games this season as he remains in the concussion protocol – Dennis Daley, who has started the past two games at left tackle, was on the injury report earlier this week as he sat out Wednesday’s practice with a groin injury, but that proved to be more precautionary than anything else as he, along with Trai Turner, who has missed the past three games but practiced in full all week, both do not have an injury designation.
Daryl Williams, who started the first two games at left tackle while Little was in the concussion protocol for the first time and started the past three at right guard in Turner’s stead, may be the first off the bench at multiple positions this Sunday – his ability to play guard and tackle on both sides is extremely valuable. While Rivera was coy about naming Daley the starter at left tackle, if the rookie is completely healthy, it would make sense to ride the hot hand at the all-important spot protecting Kyle Allen’s blindside.
Rookie Christian Miller, who continues to battle an ankle injury, has been ruled out for the second straight game while Donte Jackson, who missed the three games before the bye with a groin injury, does not have an injury designation after practicing all week.
For the full – albeit short – injury report, see below:
| Player | Injury | Game Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cam Newton | Foot | Out | Newton will travel with the team for the first time this season. |
| Greg Little | Concussion | Out | |
| Christian Miller | Ankle | Out |
