The Carolina Panthers can upgrade and overload their defensive line with superstars and first-round picks all they want. They’re still only going to get as far as Cam Newton can carry them.
In order to get back to the playoffs, Newton’s throwing shoulder is going to have to hold together for an entire season. Good news: Newton will be throwing in team drills when mandatory minicamp begins, but apparently he’s been throwing on his own for a month, according to offensive coordinator Norv Turner.
“The rehab’s gone great. Obviously, part of it he did on his own, a big part of it, before we got back,” Turner said, per Albert Breer at Sports Illustrated. “But since April 20 or so, when we got back, he’s been totally engaged, both physically and mentally. . . He’s been throwing—spot throwing—for the last month. . . And this will be a chance to get out and throw individual, and potentially throw to some new receivers.”
The Charlotte Observer reported over the weekend that Newton will be on a pitch count and will only be throwing to stationary targets, so it’s clear he’s still not 100 percent.
Turner reiterated that the team hopes he’ll be at that point by the time training camp begins in late July.
