CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton won't play in Thursday's preseason finale at Pittsburgh if past history is any indication.

Newton hasn't played in the final preseason game since his rookie season in 2011. Then, he played one series, directing an eight-play, 71-yard drive that ended with a 10-yard touchdown pass to Jeremy Shockey.

All coach Ron Rivera has said about whether his franchise quarterback will play tonight is "we'll see."

But does past history apply here?

One easily could argue Newton could use a series to develop chemistry with his new receivers.

The Panthers added wide receiver Kevin Norwood in a trade with Seattle on Monday. Second-year receiver Corey Brown has six drops in his last two preseason games. He is 0-for-8 on passes from Newton in those games.

Rookie receiver Devin Funchess (hamstring) is set to play for the first time since the preseason opener. He is the top candidate to replace No. 1 receiver Kelvin Benjamin, out for the season.

Do the Panthers really want Newton's first completion to any of these three in a game to be in the Sept. 13 opener at Jacksonville?

An argument not to play Newton is starting center Ryan Kalil is out with a sprained knee and backup Brian Folkerts is out with an ankle injury. That leaves the job to starting right tackle Mike Remmers.

You don't want to put Newton at risk of injury because of inexperience there.

That also could be an argument to play Newton if there is any concern Kalil won't be ready for the opener. The staff may want the starting quarterback to get a few live snaps with Remmers before then.

But starters in general will be limited, if they play at all, for both teams.

The exception for Carolina will be defensive tackle Kawann Short. He hasn't played during the preseason due to a back injury. Rivera doesn't want his first live snaps to be in the opener.

Starting cornerback Charles Tillman definitely is out with a concussion suffered in Friday's game against New England.

So is defensive end Charles Johnson (trapezius), defensive tackle Star Lotulelei (foot), backup fullback Richie Brockel (shoulder), Kalil and Folkerts.

Newton?

We'll see.