Cam Newton watched a third straight practice from the sideline Tuesday, and while he was still walking gingerly, it’s obvious he’s slowly improving.

The quarterback, who suffered a hairline fracture in his rib Friday against the Patriots, tossed and caught a few balls, bent over a few times, and was much more jovial than he was the last couple days.

“This is exactly what the doctor told us. It’s just a matter of time,” head coach Ron Rivera said. “Get the stiffness out, get the soreness out, and he’ll be all right.”

Rivera added he’s “pretty confident” his starting quarterback will play in the season opener against Tampa Bay.

Newton hasn’t been available to the media since last Thursday, but he is expected to talk after Wednesday’s walkthrough.