The Facts:
HC Ron Rivera said there are no plans for Newton,
recovering from left ankle surgery to tighten ligaments that have been bothering him since college, to run less in 2014. He believes Newton will be stronger than ever once he fully recovers, likely by the start of training camp. "We don't want to take away a weapon,' Rivera said.
Reported by ESPN.com
Fantasy Football Diehards Line:
Rivera also suggested that finding players to protect Newton are more important than adding playmakers in next week's NFL Draft. Left tackle became a primary need for Carolina when Jordan Gross retired after last season. Although Rivera and Gettleman say they feel there are several players on the roster who could protect Newton's blind side, they did not rule out selecting a tackle in the first round. The Panthers also are looking to pick up a quality young receiver after losing their top four from last season. Steve Smith, Brandon LaFell, Ted Ginn Jr. and Domenik Hixon signed with other teams in free agency. They were replaced by Jerricho Cotchery, Jason Avant and Tiquan Underwood. Rivera noted that the Panthers ranked fourth in the NFL in time of possession last season because they ran the ball more, and he'd like to continue in that direction. He said he felt comfortable with the receivers on the roster. Fantasy football owners probably shouldn't be as comfortable, but we'll be watching to see how the newcomers mesh with Newton once he's back on the field.
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