Newton gets MRI on passing shoulder

Rivera: Panthers QB not seriously hurt; Patriots claim Floyd.

Panthers coach Ron Rivera said an MRI on quarterback Cam Newton’s right shoulder revealed no serious damage and he anticipates the 2015 NFL MVP will play Monday night against the Washington Redskins.

Newton was listed as limited Thursday.

Rivera said Newton’s shoulder is sore and the Panthers “don’t want to aggravate it, so we’re bringing him along slowly.”

Newton sustained the injury in Carolina’s 28-16 win over San Diego on Sunday, but Rivera wasn’t specific on which play.

The quarterback has struggled of late, completing just 43 percent of passes his last four games. He hasn’t completed more than 14 passes in any of those games.

Newton’s QB rating is among the worst in the league after career year in which he combined for 45 touchdowns and led the Panthers to the NFC championship and a 17-2 season.

Wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin was also limited after hurting his back when he landed hard on the ground in practice Wednesday after making a catch. Benjamin, who missed all of last season with a torn ACL, has been battling through a number of injuries, including his left shoulder.

Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly was a full participant in practice, although Rivera said he remains in the concussion protocol. Kuechly has missed the last three games and six in the past two seasons.

Patriots: Claimed wide receiver Michael Floyd off waivers one day after he was released by the Cardinals.

Floyd, Arizona’s firstround draft pick in 2012, was released by the team two days after he was arrested on charges of driving under the influence and failure to obey a police officer.

The 6-foot-2 220-pound receiver potentially gives Tom Brady a big, experienced target. Floyd was having a down season but had five 100-yard receiving games last year. Floyd had 33 catches for 446 yards and four touchdowns with the Cardinals this season, but had several critical drops.

The Patriots have been hit by injuries to their receiving corps, including star tight end Rob Gronkowski.

Vikings: Adrian Peterson’s return to practice has brought much optimism to the Vikings late in the regular season. Peterson has been wearing a brace supporting the right knee, which underwent meniscus surgery earlier this season.

Speaking on Thursday for the first time since returning to practice, Peterson didn’t hold firm to any return date, but acknowledged his hope of being back Dec. 24 against the rival Packers.

“That was the goal I had set for me, so I’m just going to continue to take it one day at a time,” Peterson said. “When that time comes, as a group, we’ll sit down and talk and see which direction it’s best to go in.”

Coach Mike Zimmer said Peterson “needs to continue to work” into game shape.

Jets: Matt Forte practiced on a limited basis and will likely be a game-time decision against the Dolphins on Saturday night. Forte sat out practice Wednesday with an injured right knee, but was able to participate in some of Thursday’s session. That’s an encouraging sign for the 31-year-old running back who leads the Jets with 792 yards rushing and seven touchdowns.

Defensive tackle Steve McLendon (hamstring) was ruled out for the third straight game.

Rams: Defensive end Robert Quinn and running back Benny Cunningham are done for the season. The team placed the veterans on injured reserve hours before their game in Seattle.

Quinn was in concussion protocol the last few weeks but had been practicing. Cunningham sat out the past game against the Falcons because of a neck issue.

Lions: Claimed defensive end Corey Lemonier off waivers a day after he was released by the winless Browns. Lemonier had two sacks in eight games, including one start, with Cleveland this season. Detroit’s top defensive end, Ziggy Ansah, hurt his right shoulder in Sunday’s win against the Bears and was limited in practice Wednesday.