The Facts: According to Joe Person of the Athletic.com, HC Ron Rivera just said there was “no doubt in my mind” Newton would play in the regular season opener against the Rams.

Diehards Line: As Profootballtalk.com's Mike Florio understates, that’s fantastic news for them, after he left last week’s preseason game against the Patriots, and was in a walking boot with a mid-foot sprain. We'll continue to follow up as that regular-season opener draws nearer.