AP

Panthers quarterback Cam Newton appears good to go.

Newton, who missed last week’s game after suffering a back injury in a car crash, took the first-team reps at practice today. Joseph Person of the Charlotte Observer reports that Newton threw a 65-yard pass, and it would be a shock if Newton doesn’t start Sunday.

The Panthers are still in the hunt for the division title in the terrible NFC South, and although they can credit backup quarterback Derek Anderson for playing well in his two starts, they’d much prefer to have Newton on the field with the season on the line.

It appears that the Panthers will have Newton on the field against the Browns. If Carolina wins, it improves to 6-8-1 and remains in contention for the NFC South.