Cam Newton's starting job is waiting for him when he's ready.
Speaking to reporters after Sunday's 38-20 win at Arizona, Panthers coach Ron Rivera confirmed that the franchise quarterback will be back under center when he's healthy and assured the team is comfortable "rolling" with backup Kyle Allen in the meantime.
But according to NFL Media, Newton could miss multiple weeks with his foot sprain as he heals.
One important point on #Panthers QB Cam Newton: While the foot injury is not a major one, everyone benefits from him being 100%. He has a chance to ramp up this week, so if it takes more time to get back to being his old self and not worrying about it, patience may win out.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 22, 2019
Newton, who has completed 50 of 89 passes for 572 yards with an interception and two fumbles in two games this season, initially hurt his foot in the preseason and reaggravated the injury in Carolina's loss to the Buccaneers in Week 2. He is expected to be reassessed ahead of practice Wednesday.
Allen impressed in just his second career start against the Cardinals as he completed 19 of 26 of his passes for 261 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions. Star running back Christian McCaffrey also helped bolster the offense with 24 carries for 153 yards, including a 76-yard touchdown run.
The Panthers visit the Texans on Sunday (1 p.m. ET).
Carolina has three more games, including vs. the Bucs on Oct. 13 in London, before its bye week Oct. 20.