The Carolina Panthers are "cautiously optimistic" that quarterback Cam Newton will be available to play Week 1 after he was injured during Thursday's preseason game, general manager Marty Hurney told reporters Friday.
Newton has a left midfoot sprain, according to Hurney.
He was hurt on a sack in the first quarter of a 10-3 preseason loss to the New England Patriots. Team medical staff examined Newton's left foot on the sideline after the sack, his second in three series. The 2015 NFL MVP then walked to the locker room, and the team later announced he would not return.