NFL PLAYER NEWS

Newton ahead of schedule, will throw next week

The Sports Xchange

June 05, 2017 at 12:43 pm.

May 25, 2017; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) goes through drills during practice at Bank of America Stadium. Photo Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

May 25, 2017; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) goes through drills during practice at Bank of America Stadium. Photo Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton will start throwing during next week’s three-day minicamp for the first time since undergoing shoulder surgery.

Coach Ron Rivera said Newton is ahead of schedule on rehabbing from shoulder surgery in March.

“He is ahead of schedule,” Rivera told reporters following Monday’s voluntary workout. “We’re not putting him ahead of schedule. He’s doing all the band-work, all the stretching, all the rehab he’s supposed to.”

Newton underwent surgery on March 30 to repair a partially torn rotator cuff that was expected to require a four-month rehab process.

At the time, the team said the 2015 NFL MVP would not be allowed to throw for 12 weeks and wouldn’t throw with the team for 16 weeks.

Rivera said he anticipates the 28-year-old Newton throwing on the side and working directly with head trainer Ryan Vermillion while the rest of the team practices.

“He has a good rehab program going very nicely,” Rivera said. “I’m excited about what he’s doing. As we progress into next week, you guys will get a chance to see him.”

Newton’s injury occurred in the Panthers’ Week 14 game against the Chargers. He played in each of the team’s remaining three games and underwent offseason MRI exams to monitor his progress before deciding on surgery.

Newton passed for 3,509 yards with 19 touchdowns and 14 interceptions last season for the Panthers, who missed the playoffs after finishing last in the NFC South with a 6-10 record.

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