CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Carolina Panthers coach Matt Rhule said Sam Darnold "will play'' in Sunday's home finale against the defending Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but Cam Newton will remain the starting quarterback this week.
Darnold on Wednesday was cleared by doctors for contact after missing the past five games with a shoulder injury. Rhule said Newton will have a "major role'' in the game plan, but he wants to get a look at Darnold to see if he can get back to the level he was during a 3-0 start.