CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Any question that Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton would have a clean bill of health for Sunday's opener against the Los Angeles Rams was answered Wednesday when the 2015 NFL MVP did not appear on the team's injury report.
If that wasn't enough, then Newton's big, familiar smile said the rest.
"I feel like a rookie again,'' said the 30-year-old Newton, who is entering his ninth NFL season. "I'm having fun, feeling good, and the thrill is still there.''
Newton suffered a sprained left foot in the third preseason game that initially had his status for Sunday in question.