CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Carolina Panthers coach Ron Rivera didn't waste time Monday ending speculation on whether quarterback Cam Newton will return this week, saying Kyle Allen will start Sunday's game against the undefeated San Francisco 49ers.
Allen is 4-0 since Newton was shut down with what has been described as a mild left Lisfranc sprain and 5-0 as the starter including last year's finale. That makes Allen the seventh quarterback in NFL history to begin his career with five straight wins.
"Just so everybody knows, Kyle will start this week as we go forward," said Rivera, whose team is 4-2 coming off their bye weekend.