NFL rumors: Panthers' Cam Newton likely to practice before 49ers game

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The Carolina Panthers reportedly could have a decision to make before they play the 49ers in Week 8. 

Quarterback Cam Newton is "expected to be ready to practice after the team's bye this week," ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Monday night citing a league source. 

The Panthers started 0-2 with Newton under center, but turned their season around after undrafted second-year pro Kyle Allen took over. Carolina has won each of its last four games, and Allen has completed 65.6 percent of his passes for seven touchdowns and no interceptions. Allen has been aided by running back Christian McCaffrey during that time, as McCaffrey has scored seven touchdowns and accounted for 661 yards from scrimmage over the last four weeks. 

A hobbled Newton struggled in his first two starts, and he said in a self-published video last month that he hid the extent of his foot injury. Newton, when healthy, arguably is one of the NFL's best QBs, but season-ending shoulder surgery in 2018 and his early-season foot injury have led to questions about how much he has left in the tank.

[RELATED: Staley, Witherspoon closest to return among injured 49ers] 

If he returns in Week 8, Newton will have his hands full with the 49ers' revamped defensive line. Six San Francisco d-linemen have multiple sacks this season, and the 49ers were tied for eighth in the NFL in sacks entering Monday. 

The 49ers are riding high, and San Francisco is 5-0 for the first time since 1990. In Week 7, the 49ers will play 1-5 Washington at FedEx Field before returning to Levi's Stadium to host Newton or Allen and the Panthers. 

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