Panthers' Rivera: Newton 'had a good day Monday'

Carolina Panthers head coach Ron Rivera appeared to be optimistic about Cam Newton's recovery from a concussion Tuesday.

Newton missed Monday's game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but appeared to be in good spirits, and was spotted cruising on a motorized scooter in Charlotte before the game.

"He had a good day on Monday. He came out and worked out with our training staff. They took him out and he ran. He threw the ball. ... He lifted," Rivera said to Joseph Person of The Charlotte Observer. "I don't know how he is today. I haven't had a chance to see him. But I know (Monday) he did a lot. They put a lot on his table. So we'll see how he is."

Rivera also dismissed concerns about Newton riding through town on the scooter despite the head injury.

"I'm not going to worry about that. I don't know," Rivera said. "The bottom line is, he's an adult. And we'll go from there."

The Panthers lost 17-14 to the Buccaneers, dropping to 1-4.