Neither Ben Roethlisberger nor the injured Cam Newton led their respective team's offenses in Thursday night's preseason finale. As the Panthers walked on by the Steelers 10-0, however, Pittsburgh's defensive starters saw plenty of action. Carolina QB Cam Newton was taking it easy after suffering a hairline fracture a few weeks ago, and he intends to start their regular season opener against Tampa next Sunday.
It's not uncommon to sit out starters in preseason games. You don't want to risk injuring star players in a game that doesn't even matter, much less exacerbate existing maladies (via ABC News):
"Pittsburgh quarterback Ben Roethlisberger spent the night on the sideline with a towel around his shoulders. Carolina's Cam Newton and his dinged-up ribs did likewise. Newton said earlier in the week there's 'no doubt' he'll be ready when the Panthers head to Tampa Bay on Sept. 7."
Pittsburgh defensive leader Brett Keisel reportedly opted to stay in Steel City because he believes in the influx of new talent that has been brought in. They just need time to grow (via USA Today):
"There's a lot of potential, there is. They did a good job drafting some good young talent. They've got to prove they can come in and be consistent. If you're a consistent ballplayer week in and week out, we can rely on you and trust you."
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