Cam Newton was begging for some work, so on the last day of school, the Panthers gave him some.
According to Bill Voth of Black and Blue Review, Newton took part in three 7-on-7 periods during the team’s final minicamp practice before training camp.
Newton wasn’t really expected back from offseason ankle surgery until training camp, and his participation wasn’t full. But it was symbolic as much as anything.
“I think it shows everybody, the team, that he’s coming,” Panthers coach Ron Rivera said. “Nobody expected him to be out here today, except for me, but it was good to see him out there. It was good to see his teammates see him out there.”
None of the other players were told he’d work, so it was a bit of a surprise, even though Newton described himself as “real sluggish.”
“My mind was moving faster than my body but that comes with time,” Newton said. “I’m excited to get back out there. I’m not 100 percent yet but any progress is good progress for me.”
Of course, he looked rusty as well, such that it matters in 7-on-7s June.
Voth (perhaps aspiring to be a Jets beat writer) had him at 3-of-10 passing in his first two series, before completing all five pass attempts in his final set.
It’s not what they’re looking for out of Newton, but since they weren’t expecting him to participate at all, it’s hard to call it a disappointment, either.