By Nick Shook
NFL.com
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The Carolina Panthers will get a much-needed boost in their lineup Sunday.

Quarterback Cam Newton (concussion) has been cleared to play against the New Orleans Saints, the team announced Saturday. Newton missed Carolina’s Week 5 loss to Tampa Bay after sustaining the concussion in a loss to the Atlanta Falcons.

Newton was officially active Sunday after being listed as questionable on Friday. Coach Ron Rivera said that “barring a setback,” Cam would be good to go.

Newton’s value to the team doesn’t need to be explained. Without the reigning league MVP, Carolina looked like a different offense in the loss to Tampa Bay, and not in a good way. Sitting at 1-4 with another divisional opponent on the slate Sunday, the Panthers need their leader back if they want to climb out of this early season hole.

Wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin (knee), defensive end Charles Johnson (quad) and running backJonathan Stewart (hamstring) are all active for the game after being listed as questionable.