CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Panthers quarterback Cam Newton said hes feeling great and "absolutely" expects to start in Carolinas home opener Sunday against the Detroit Lions. "Its great to be out there grinding with the entire team and not have any restraints," Newton said. Newton fully participated in practice and threw the ball with good velocity -- although coach Ron Rivera said the fourth-year quarterbacks timing on his passes is still a bit of a concern. Wearing a thick, protective flak jacket, Newton took the majority of reps with the first team offence as expected and didnt seem to have any problems throwing, Rivera said.. Rivera said Monday he expected Newton to start against the Lions on Sunday after missing the season opener at Tampa Bay with a rib injury -- and he didnt waffle on that decision Wednesday. "We dont expect him to have any setbacks," Rivera said. Rivera said hes more confident that Newton would be able to handle a hit to the ribs this week. Derek Anderson filled in for Newton and threw for 230 yards and two touchdowns as the Panthers defeated the Buccaneers 20-14 in Week 1. Anderson returned to working with the second team unit on Wednesday. It was the first missed start for Newton since coming into the league as the No. 1 overall pick in 2011. During a press conference Wednesday Newton refused to discuss anything related to last weeks game, including the teams decision to hold him out or when he inexplicably ran on to the field during a timeout in street clothes to talk to his teammates in the huddle. "My focus is on the Lions," Newton said. "We cant dwell on the past. It was a great to get a team win but Im moving forward." Erik Gonzalez Pirates Jersey .Y. - Joe Johnson hit six 3-pointers in his 27 points, Mason Plumlee added 18 points, and the Brooklyn Nets won their 11th straight at home, beating the Boston Celtics 114-98 Friday night. Corey Dickerson Jersey . 28 with a Vancouver entry for the first time in 10 years and a novel new collective bargaining agreement. http://www.pittsburghpiratesprostore.us/Francisco-Liriano-pirates-jersey/ .Y. - Major League Soccer is prepared to start its season this weekend even if there isnt a labour deal with its referees and other on-field officials. Francisco Liriano Jersey . - Jayden Hart scored once and set up two more as the Prince Albert Raiders downed the host Red Deer Rebels 5-3 on Tuesday to clinch the final Western Hockey League playoff berth. Willie Stargell Jersey .2 million deal for the upcoming season with right-hander Garrett Richards.The person spoke on condition of anonymity Saturday because the announcement hadnt been made.Detroit, MI (SportsNetwork.com) - Joique Bell and Calvin Johnson each scored twice as the Detriot Lions grabbed a 34-17 victory over the Chicago Bears on Thanksgiving. Matthew Stafford was 34-for-45 for 390 yards with two touchdown passes for the Lions (8-4), who bounced back from a pair of road losses to Arizona and New England. The victory moves Detroit a half-game back of Green Bay for first place in the NFC North. The Packers host the Patriots on Sunday. Bell totaled 91 yards on 23 carries while Johnson had 11 catches for 146 yards for Detroit, which had lost nine straight games in its traditional Thanksgiving Day game, but have now won its past two thanks to this win and a victory over Green Bay last year.dddddddddddd Jay Cutler was 31-for-49 for 280 yards with a pair of touchdown passes to Alshon Jeffery along with two interceptions for the Bears (5-7), who had won their previous two coming into the contest. ' ' '