Newton has mid-foot sprain, Panthers 'cautiously optimistic' for Week 1

Carolina Panthers general manager Marty Hurney announced Friday that quarterback Cam Newton has been diagnosed with a left mid-foot sprain, according to The Athletic's Jourdan Rodrigue.

Hurney said the team is "cautiously optimistic" Newton will be ready for Week 1.

The Panthers signal-caller made his preseason debut Thursday, but his evening ended prematurely when he hurt his foot while being sacked. He was quickly ruled out for the remainder of the contest and received a series of tests afterward.

Newton, 30, left the stadium in a walking boot, though initial reports claimed his injury wasn't considered serious.

The former MVP didn't play in Carolina's first two preseason games while continuing to recover from offseason surgery on his throwing shoulder.

The Panthers open their season Sept. 8 against the Los Angeles Rams.