The Panthers practiced without quarterback Cam Newton on Wednesday and Thursday this week while in the concussion protocol after getting hurt against the Falcons last weekend and they took the field without him again on Friday.
According to multiple reports, Newton was not among the players dressed for and participating in the portion of practice open to the media. The team will practice once more on Saturday before submitting their injury report for Monday’s game against the Buccaneers, but the trajectory isn’t one that raises much hope that Newton will play.
Derek Anderson would start in Newton’s place with Joe Webb serving as his backup.
The trajectory doesn’t look better for left tackle Michael Oher, who is also recovering from a concussion, or running back Jonathan Stewart, who has missed the last two games with a hamstring injury. Neither player has practiced this week, although Stewart has done more on the side than he did last week.
Cornerback James Bradberry and defensive tackle Vernon Butler round out the list of Panthers who are out of practice Friday.