A day after the Panthers started 1-0 for the first time since 2008, focus remained on a guy who didn’t play in Tampa Bay.

Head coach Ron Rivera repeated on Monday what he said during Sunday’s night postgame – quarterback Cam Newton is expected to return and start in Week 2 against the Lions.

The Panthers held Newton out of the opener because they feared if he took a hit to his cracked ribs, he would be in danger of missing a few more weeks. They were also confident backup quarterback Derek Anderson could help them beat the Bucs.

So Sunday essentially turned into two wins.

“The doctors were all pointing, ‘if we get to this point, we’ll all feel much more comfortable about his situation.’ So we were able to accomplish it and still win,” Rivera said.

When Rivera met with Newton on Saturday night to tell him he wouldn’t play, the fourth-year pro took it hard. Not only had he made 48 straight starts since he was the top pick in the 2011 draft, he had never missed a game due to injury since he started playing football.

Newton’s emotions peaked during Sunday’s second quarter when he sprinted from the sideline with advice for the Panthers’ offense while it was huddled up during a TV timeout. Rivera admitted he had “a nice conversation” with the NFL on Monday about Newton’s huddle surprise, but it was nothing more than a reminder-slash-warning.

Rivera likely won’t have to worry about his star quarterback’s place on the sideline this week. Barring a setback, he’ll practice Wednesday, and a somewhat healthier Newton should be good to go when the Lions come to town.

“He said (Sunday) was the longest game of his life,” Rivera said. “It was one of the harder decision I’ve had to make, but at the same time, it was a decision I had to make. In the long run, win or lose, we’re better off now.”

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