Panthers quarterback Cam Newton came into work Saturday morning feeling good, but his status for Sunday’s season opener is still very much up in the air.Newton, who is listed as questionable with cracked ribs, threw passes and took first-team reps for the first time this week during Friday’s walkthrough. The fact he got through that without any ill-effects is a big step as he tries to convince the Panthers he should start against the Bucs. A final decision is still expected on Sunday.Concerns peaked on Wednesday when Newton showed up too sore to practice. The Panthers held him out for two days, but they’re allowing him to make a final push to play. He wants to, so if he doesn’t, that’s a decision that will likely be made by the coaching staff and head trainer Ryan Vermillion.Ultimately, Saturday was another good day for Newton. It’s not enough for the Panthers to declare him ready, but it was a necessary checkpoint in his effort to start on Sunday.