Carolina Panthers confirm Cam Newton rib injury

Carolina Panthers head coach Ron Rivera has revealed that quarterback Cam Newton has a hairline fracture of his ribs and will not play in his side's final pre-season game.

The 25-year-old sustained the injury in his side's defeat to the New England Patriots when he was tackled by linebacker Jamie Collins early in the game.

"There is a lot of concern. This morning he came in, and he was very, very sore," Rivera told reporters.

"We expect him to get past the soreness the next few days, and then be able to do a lot more as the days go."

The Panthers face the Pittsburgh Steelers in their final pre-season match and the open their regular season against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.