Panthers plan to play Cam Newton, Christian McCaffrey vs. Patriots

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Patriots fans have seen Tom Brady in uniform this preseason; they've just seen him on the sidelines during each of the team's first two preseason games.

But Brady isn't the only star who hasn't seen any preseason action so far this year; the Panthers have also held out quarterback Cam Newton, running back Christian McCaffrey, and linebacker Luke Kuechly to this point.

That's about to change this week, however. Carolina head coach Ron Rivera confirmed Monday that all three players will see action Thursday in Foxboro, along with the rest of the Panthers starters.

“They’ve been the gold standard for a long time,’’ Rivera said, via ESPN's David Newton. “You want to go out and see just how good you are. It is a good measuring stick as to who we can be as a football team.’’

Yet while Rivera was forthcoming about his plans for playing time, Bill Belichick played it closer to the vest Monday. When asked if Brady would play against Carolina, Belichick broke out a familiar refrain.

"As always, we’ll do what’s best for the football team — for each player, and for the team."

Click here for Phil Perry's 53-man Patriots roster projection>>>>>

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