Cam Newton injury update: Ahead of schedule
If the Carolina Panthers are going to get back on track in 2017, they need a healthy Cam Newton. There’s some good news on that front.
Following a forgettable defense of their NFC title, the Carolina Panthers seem to be getting good news these days when it comes to their starting quarterback.
As reported by ESPN’s David Newton in late March, Cam Newton had rotator cuff surgery in late March. He is currently on the road to recovery and by all indications is progressing extremely well. “He is ahead of schedule,” said head coach Ron Rivera to Newton said after 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.”
Via ESPN’s Field Yates, the six-year signal-caller suffered the injury in Week 14 against the Chargers. He played through it the remainder of the season and then had the surgery just over two months ago.
According to David Newton, Rivera said that the 2015 NFL MVP could get some action during the team’s three-day minicamp next week. The coach said that “barring a setback,” Newton could wind up throwing on the side during the team’s practices from June 13-15.
You will recall that Cam Newton put together quite the season in 2015, leading the Panthers to a 15-1 record and an appearance in Super Bowl 50. He hit on 59.8 percent of his throws, good for 3,837 yards and 35 scores compared to only 20 interceptions. He also ran for 636 yards and 10 touchdowns. This past year, the 28-year-old quarterback managed a disappointing 52.9 completion percentage. There were just 19 TD passes and 16 turnovers – including 14 picks. And the team plummeted to 6-10 and last place in the NFC South.
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The Carolina Panthers were pretty busy this offseason adding some pieces to help the team get back on track. This was a club that made three straight playoff appearances from 2013-15 before this past season’s disaster. And while it’s only June, Cam Newton’s recovery is the best news this team has gotten in quite awhile.