CAM IS BACK

Cam Newton is almost ready to get back to work. Panthers coach Ron Rivera said the NFL veteran quarterback is ahead of schedule in his rehab from shoulder surgery and is expected to begin throwing next week at minicamp. “His rehab program is going very nicely,” Rivera said.

CHARLOTTE, N.C.—Cam Newton is almost ready to get back to work.

Panthers coach Ron Rivera said the six-year NFL veteran quarterback is ahead of schedule in his rehab from shoulder surgery and is expected to begin throwing next week at minicamp.

Newton will start by throwing on a side field away from team drills under the supervision of head athletic trainer Ryan Vermillion. He isn’t expected to participate in team drills until the team reports to training camp in late July.

Newton has been at practice for all of the team’s voluntary workouts, but has not yet thrown any passes since undergoing surgery to repair a partially torn rotator cuff on his right shoulder in late March.

“He’s ahead of schedule,” Rivera said 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 was not made available to talk to reporters on Monday.

“His rehab program is 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 injured his shoulder in Carolina’s Week 14 win against the San Diego Chargers but continued to play the rest of the season. When asked why he continued to play his star QB rather than sit him out, Rivera responded by saying it was because Newton wanted to keep playing.