Carolina Panthers

Barring a setback, QB Cam

Newton is on target to make his preseason debut Aug. 24 at the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Newton was held out of the Panthers’ 34-27 road loss Saturday at the Tennessee Titans. During the game, the Titans converted three takeaways into touchdowns, including the game-

winner with 1:55 left on a stripsack of fourth-string QB Garrett

Gilbert.

Coach Ron Rivera said Newton, who had surgery in March to repair a partially torn right rotator cuff, would increase his throwing and depth of passes this week in 11-on-11 work. Newton threw in 7-on-7 drills and individual drills in joint practices against the Titans but did not participate in team work.

Rookie watch: First-round RB Christian McCaffrey was one of the few bright spots on the No. 1 offensive unit, accounting for 72 yards from scrimmage on five touches, including a 17-yard scoring run and a 38-yard screen pass. ... Second-round WR Curtis

Samuel is increasing his individual work after missing most of training camp dealing with hamstring issues. ... Sixth-round FB

Alex Armah, who seems headed to the practice squad, caught a 20-yard TD pass from QB Joe Webb. ... Seventh-round K Har

rison Butker is making a case to stay in the league with Carolina or elsewhere. He has converted both field goal attempts (51, 46) and continues to push incumbent starter Graham Gano (2-for-3). Noteworthy: Veteran LB Thomas Davis signed a oneyear, $7.75 million contract extension through the 2018 season, a strong indication that he will end his career with the team that drafted him in 2005. ... MLB Luke

Kuechly (sore ribs) was held out against Tennessee. Backup MLB

David Mayo posted a team-high 10 tackles. ... Webb (111.5 passer rating, team-high three TD passes) has looked more like the No. 2 quarterback than Derek Anderson.