Carolina Panthers head coach Ron Rivera said Friday that quarterback Cam Newton is expected to start Sunday against the New Orleans Saints, despite the club designating him as questionable with a concussion.

Rivera said that "barring a setback" Newton will be under center in Week 6, and that while the reigning NFL MVP remains in the concussion protocol, it's expected he'll pass the final step in the process.

Newton missed last week's loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after taking a legal helmet-to-helmet hit as he crossed the goal line in Week 4 against the Atlanta Falcons.

He has appeared to be trending toward a return, practicing fully during the week.

Newton will be tasked with saving the 1-4 Panthers' season, who, with another loss, will likely be too far behind in the NFC playoff race to recover.