A half-dozen notes from Friday’s media availability with Carolina Panthers coach Ron Rivera.

 

1.) Still Waiting

 

Even though it’s impossible to predict how a player will recover from a concussion, there’s been a palpable sense of confidence surrounding quarterback Cam Newton’s status all week.

As of early Friday afternoon, Newton was still in the concussion protocol and listed as questionable for Sunday’s game in New Orleans. But after practicing in full for two straight days, he has just one more step to pass. That clearance from an independent neurologist could happen as soon as late Friday afternoon.

So according to Rivera, “barring a setback,” Newton will start against the Saints.

 

2.) Horton Back … Again

 

With defensive tackles Vernon Butler (high-ankle sprain) and Paul Soliai (foot sprain) out, Carolina called an old buddy for help. They added Wes Horton to the roster Friday morning, the fifth time he’s signed with the Panthers since 2013.

“We have a guy you can hedge your bets with, that can play inside or outside for us,” Rivera said. “We’re very fortunate Wes was out there.”

 

3.) CB Help on the Way?

 

Remember when the Panthers signed Leonard Johnson this summer?

Well, the five-year veteran is still around and could soon get a chance to solidify the slot.

Johnson has been at most, if not every practice since the start of training camp rehabbing from offseason Achilles surgery. On Friday, trainers finally allowed him to work on the side with a helmet.

The Bucs’ primary nickel from 2012-14, Johnson began the season on the PUP list. He’s eligible to come off it next week. The Panthers probably won’t activate him then, but they could a week or two after the off weekend.

“He’s more of a nickel-type player, but he has some corner skills that you really like as well,” Rivera said. “We’ve got some decisions to make once we get into the bye.”

 

4.) Healing Time

 

If the Panthers can somehow win in New Orleans despite a makeshift secondary, they’ll head into the bye at 2-4. Then, guys like Butler, cornerback James Bradberry and left tackle Michael Oher would have a couple of weeks to return for the NFC Championship Game rematch with the Cardinals.

“We’re hoping to get a whole bunch of these guys back. Get our guys back and ready to roll,” Rivera said. “The bye’s coming at a good time for us.”

 

5.) Investigations

 

With the NFL and NFLPA reportedly nearing the end of their investigations into whether the Panthers properly handled Newton’s health in Week One, one prominent figure still hasn’t been contacted.

“I thought for sure I’d be in that conversation, but I’ve not (heard from them),” Rivera said. “That’s one less thing for me to worry about.”

 

6.) You Wanna Crown Em?!

 

 

Up two games on the Bucs and three on the Panthers, some believe the Falcons are on their way to winning the NFC South.

Rivera’s noticed:

“In spite of the fact that some people want to go ahead and give the division to somebody already with 11 games left to play, we will wait and see and play them one at a time.”

He said that on Tuesday. Then on Friday …

“In spite of what some people think about other people already being crowned, you have a chance to keep winning and keep winning. Hopefully you catch up to them, and you get a chance to play them at the end of the year, and who knows what happens.”

So, coach, you seem a bit irked …

“I’m always irked … I look for something; you guys know that. I appreciate you guys loading me up.”