The Facts: Newton hit a snag this week when it was announced the QB was to undergo late-March surgery on his throwing shoulder. But HC Ron Rivera isn't worried about Newton's status for an all-important bounce back season in Carolina. "Without a doubt," Rivera said of his confidence in Newton being ready for the season opener.

Diehards Line: Rivera added: "There is no concern, at least in talking with the trainers and doctors. I'm very confident that things are going to go along very well. They have a timeframe that they've mapped out for the most part. He'll be working with the trainers and he'll be working with us for the most part during the OTAs and minicamps." Newton is slated to go under the knife on March 30 to repair the partially torn rotator cuff suffered in Week 14. The Panthers' head athletic trainer said Monday that the plan is for Newton to start throwing with the team 16 weeks after surgery, which should happen in mid-July. Rivera hopes the time off will ease the quarterback's adjustment to a less physical game plan.