Ron Rivera Reportedly to Receive Warning for Cam Newton Entering Panthers Huddle

Updates from Monday, Sept. 8

Ron Rivera commented on Cam Newton's entrance into the huddle during Sunday's game (via Steve Reed of the Associated Press):

Newton himself also commented on the incident (via David Newton of ESPN):

Original Text

There was a moment during Sunday's opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers when the Carolina Panthers had one too many players in the huddle. 

They didn't receive a flag for it, though, because one of those players happened to be Cam Newton, who was inactive for the game as he recovers from a rib injury.    

Bleacher Report's Twitter feed provided a look at the bizarre moment:

While it didn't draw a flag, head coach Ron Rivera will reportedly receive a warning from the league, according to a source cited by Pro Football Talk:

Fox Sports' rules analyst Mike Pereira noted what was wrong with Newton's actions:

It's just speculation, but the Panthers will probably survive the finger wagging or warning email likely to follow. Receiving a warning isn't the worst thing in the world if it means their 25-year-old franchise quarterback showing some fire and leadership despite being out for the game. 

As an emerging star and the face of the franchise, it was clearly killing the fourth-year quarterback not to be on the field for Carolina's Week 1 contest, as noted by The Associated Press' Steve Reed:

And that's a fantastic trait to see in such an important player. 

Even with Derek Anderson playing well in his stead, Newton should get his wish in Week 2. 

There were reports throughout the week that the dynamic dual-threat was going to be ready to play, but according to Reed, Newton didn't want to rush his return and hurt the team:

Likewise, the Panthers were probably playing it cautious with their star.

If he was as close to playing as reports suggested, though, another week of rest should be enough to get him back inside the huddle—legally—for next Sunday's contest against the Detroit Lions.