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Cam Newton to play; Luke Kuechly cleared, is questionable

By The Sports Xchange
Carolina Panthers QB Cam Newton looks to throw as the hands of Oakland Raiders Bruce Irwin move in for a sack in the second quarter at the Oakland Alameda County Coliseum in Oakland, California on November 27, 2016. The Raiders defeated the Panthers 35-32. Photo by Terry Schmitt/UPI
1 of 3 | Carolina Panthers QB Cam Newton looks to throw as the hands of Oakland Raiders Bruce Irwin move in for a sack in the second quarter at the Oakland Alameda County Coliseum in Oakland, California on November 27, 2016. The Raiders defeated the Panthers 35-32. Photo by Terry Schmitt/UPI | License Photo

Cam Newton will be under center Monday night for the Carolina Panthers, who also have a chance to get their quarterback on defense back for the road matchup at the Washington Redskins.

Although Newton underwent an MRI exam earlier in the week because of soreness in his throwing shoulder, Carolina coach Ron Rivera pronounced the reigning NFL Most Valuable Player good to go following Saturday's practice.

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Middle linebacker Luke Kuechly, who has been sidelined for the past three games due to a concussion, also could return against the Redskins.

Kuechly practiced fully all week and on Saturday was cleared from the NFL's concussion protocol, although he is listed as questionable for Monday's game.

"We are excited to have Luke healthy and cleared from the protocol," Rivera said. "I know he is extremely motivated to get back on the field and help us win games. Whether he plays this week or not, I don't know. We have to balance our enthusiasm with what's best for Luke and the team long term."

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Kuechly suffered the concussion against the New Orleans Saints on Nov. 17 and Carolina's defense hasn't been the same without him, giving up 75 points in back-to-back losses at Oakland and Seattle. He also sat out last week's 28-16 home win over Chicago.

Wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin (back) also was a full participant in Saturday's practice and is "right on track" to play against the Redskins in a must-win game for the Panthers, Rivera said. Benjamin, who missed the entire 2015 season after undergoing knee surgery, has only three catches for 22 yards in his last two contests.

Linebacker David Mayo (concussion) also is listed as questionable while defensive end Charles Johnson and offensive tackle Darryl Williams were ruled out again.

Washington tight end Jordan Reed, who was limited to a handful of snaps last week against Philadelphia after sitting out the previous game, is among 10 players listed as questionable for the Redskins.

Reed had five touchdowns in a six-game stretch prior to injuring his shoulder and is tied for second on the team with 60 receptions.

Washington safety LB Su'a Cravens (upper arm) has been ruled out for the second straight week.

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Redskins coach Jay Gruden said there's a "flicker of hope" that Compton will be able to suit up.

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