Coach Ron Rivera said he hasn't decided how much rookie quarterback Cam Newton will play Thursday night when the Panthers play their final exhibition against Pittsburgh at Bank of America Stadium.

Newton is scheduled to start his third consecutive game, and is the likely No. 1 quarterback when the regular season begins. Typically starters don't play extended minutes in the preseason finale, but given Newton's limited practice time because of the lockout, it could give him a few extra plays.

"We're going to discuss that after (Tuesday's) practice," Rivera said. "We got the extra day of practice this week, so I'd really like to see how we come through ... practice. We'll have some first bunch against each other and see what kind of tempo we get out of that. That will help gauge how much we play them.

"You always worry about the last one. We'll see."

Rivera said he expects second-year quarterback Jimmy Clausen to play Thursday night after recovering from a thigh injury suffered at Miami two weeks ago.

INJURY UDPATE: Offensive guard Duke Robinson is recovering from a concussion that has sidelined him. Rivera said Robinson was sent home from practice Sunday for rest but returned to the stadium Monday, though he did not practice. Rivera said the team will follow NFL protocol related to concussions before determining when Robinson could return.

Another guard, Mackenzy Bernadeau, missed Monday's practice because of turf toe, while running back DeAngelo Williams was given the afternoon off to rest his foot.

"We want to make sure the foot doesn't flare up and make sure he's right," Rivera said. "He's been very good. He's had a really good camp."

Also, offensive tackle Jeff Otah practiced for the third straight day as he continues to recover from a knee injury that sidelined him all of last season.

"It's very encouraging," Rivera said. "The big thing is when Jeff had the setback during camp, after the third or fourth day, we were concerned. We set down and formulated a plan. We've stayed to it. We didn't try to alter it or push anybody along.

"He tried to be around the offense so his learning curve would not be as steep. He seems to have rebounded very well. Physically and mentally he seems to be right on par."

CLOSED DOORS: In a change from previous coaching staffs, Rivera will run closed practices during the season.

Reporters and photographers will be allowed to watch the first 30 minutes but will have to leave the practice fields after that. Previous coaches Dom Capers, George Seifert and John Fox allowed reporters at practice throughout, but they had to watch from a distance.

Rivera said he's using a practice policy that's been in place at other franchises where he's coached; it's a common policy throughout the NFL. It went into effect this week after allowing reporters to watch the entirety of practices during training camp.

"We're installing some things for the regular season that we just didn't want anybody to see," Rivera said.

He said when he was an assistant coach at Philadelphia, a reporter covering an upcoming opponent asked about a new wrinkle seen at practice. It got back to the Eagles, who then prepared for it.

CUT DAY: The Panthers are required to trim their roster to 80 Tuesday.

With 89 players on the roster, the Panthers already have put cornerback Cletis Gordon and defensive tackle Ron Edwards on injured reserve. They are not allowed to add wide receiver David Gettis and center Zack Williams on the IR list until final cuts are made Saturday, when teams must set their 53-player roster.