Panthers 'optimistic' Newton can play in opener

The Carolina Panthers are "cautiously optimistic" that Cam Newton will be able to play in the season opener after the quarterback sustained a foot injury during Thursday night's preseason game, general manager Marty Hurney said. "Cam Newton has a mid-foot sprain in his left foot, and we are cautiously optimistic he will be ready for Week 1," Hurney said on Friday.

Newton sustained the injury on a sack in the first quarter of Carolina's 10-3 preseason loss to the New England Patriots. The 2015 NFL Most Valuable Player limped off the field before retreating to the locker room. Newton exited the stadium in a walking boot.

Newton was making his preseason debut, his game first action since having shoulder surgery in April. He went 4-of-6 passing for 30 yards, taking two sacks, before departing. Newton, 30, is entering his ninth NFL season. He completed 67.9 percent of his passes for 3,395 yards, 24 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions in 14 games last season, missing the final two due to the shoulder injury.

The Panthers open the regular season Sept. 8 against the visiting Los Angeles Rams.