The Panthers are encouraged by the progress of quarterback Cam Newton, but not enough to put him on the field for minicamp this week.
According to Jonathan Jones of the Charlotte Observer, Newton took a few drops and threw a few passes Tuesday, but otherwise was held out of minicamp work.
“There was an outside chance he’d be able to go full but he’s on track,” Panthers coach Ron Rivera said. “We’re not going to force any issue with him so he was able to do what he was supposed to.”
The plan is still to have him ready for the start of training camp following offseason ankle surgery.
“I think I’m on schedule to make a speedy recovery,” Newton said after practice. “We are in the last curve and I am just trying to be smart about it, do everything that the trainers ask of me and more and see where that gets me.”
Hopefully, training camp gives him enough time to learn what to do with a rebuilt receiving corps, which is getting all its work with backup Derek Anderson for now.