Carolina quarterback Cam Newton’s surgically repaired shoulder will be tested next week when he participates in throwing drills during a three-day minicamp.
The Panthers announced Saturday that the former MVP will throw during all quarterback drills and execute a limited number of throws to stationary targets. The camp begins on Tuesday.
“This is all part of the rehab process,” head trainer Ryan Vermillion said. “Cam has worked extremely hard this offseason with his rehabilitation and his preparation. … He’s achieved every milestone we’ve set out for him so far in preparation for this.”
Newton had an arthroscopic procedure on his right shoulder in January after sitting out the last two games of the 2018 season. Doctors removed scar tissue that remained from a 2017 surgery on the former league MVP’s partially torn rotator cuff.
Newton turned 30 in May and is preparing for his ninth NFL season.
“He’s done an outstanding job with his rehab and just being accountable to get his shoulder in the best shape possible,” quarterbacks coach Scott Turner said. “Mentally, with me in the classroom, he’s just been great. He understands how important all of this is. He’s progressing and he’s excited about it. We all are. He’s got a chance to have a really great year.”
Vermillion said Newton’s progress this week will be closely monitored.
“Cam’s confidence level is up because he’s pain-free,” Vermillion said. “He feels good about where he is right now — but we’re not done. This is one more step in our process as we get him ready for 2019.”
Newton completed a career-high 67.9 percent of his passes for 3,395 yards with 24 touchdowns and 13 interceptions in 2018. The three-time Pro Bowl selection has appeared in 123 (122 starts) of a possible 128 games since Carolina drafted him with the No. 1 pick in 2011.