The Carolina Panthers announced Wednesday that No.1 draft pick Cam Newton will get the start at quarterback for the second preseason game this week.

Panthers coach Ron Rivera confirmed the decision for Friday’s game against the Miami Dolphins. The decision to give Newton the start, however, does not appear to have anything to do with dissatisfaction over the way incumbent Jimmy Clausen performed in the preseason opener against the New York Giants.

Clausen will also get some snaps with the first team as both quarterbacks continue to compete for the starting job.

''It's pretty much following the line of what we had planned throughout training camp, and that's to go back and forth and back and forth with our guys,'' Rivera told the Associated Press. ''It's a good opportunity.''

But most are ready to see what Newton can do with more time with the first team offense. The former Auburn quarterback was impressive in his NFL debut last week.

Rivera has yet to announce his starter for the Sept. 11 season opener against Arizona, but he hopes to make an announcement next week.

''We'll do like we did last week where Cam came in and played with the first group in the second quarter,'' Rivera said. ''Again, we want to make sure everybody gets a chance to play and work with the guys to keep that competition going.''

Contact Terrance Harris at terrancefharris@gmail.com or follow him on Twitter @Terranceharris

(Photo: AP Photo/Chuck Burton)