Matt Rhule 'Trending Toward' Naming Cam Newton As Starter

Panthers quarterback Cam Newton is on track to start his first game for Carolina since 2019.

NFL Network's Cameron Wolfe reports that head coach Matt Rhule said on Wednesday that it's "trending toward" Newton getting the start on Sunday. The Panthers (5-5) will host the Washington Football Team (3-6) at 1:00 p.m. on FOX. Carolina enters as a 3.5-point favorite over Washington, per FanDuel Sportsbook.

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Rhule didn't rule out that quarterback P.J. Walker would play as well, saying that both could play in certain packages.

Newton, 32, made his season debut in the Panthers' 34-14 victory over the Cardinals (8-2) last Sunday. Newton only had seven touches but was effective. A two-yard scamper into the end zone on Carolina's first drive was followed by a two-yard touchdown strike to receiver Robby Anderson on its second drive.

Newton signed a one-year, $10 million deal with the Panthers last Thursday. It was a reunion for Newton, who spent the first nine seasons of his career in Carolina from 2011-2019 after being selected first overall in the 2011 NFL Draft.

In 124 starts with the Panthers, Newton has gone 68-55-1 under center. He's completed 59.6 percent of his passes with 183 touchdowns and 108 interceptions. Newton notably won the NFL MVP in 2015 and led the Panthers to Super Bowl 50.