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One-time NFL MVP quarterback Cam Newton of the Carolina Panthers has been steadily recovering from offseason shoulder surgery that has kept sidelined throughout the offseason.
Although he has been steadily progressing through his rehab from the surgery, the Panthers are prepared to let him miss the remainder of the NFL preseason if needed be, according to ESPN.
“We're going to do exactly what the trainers and doctors allow us to do,” Rivera said.
Rivera reiterated what he has said since training camp opened, that Newton's target date is the Sept. 10 opener at San Francisco.
“Every day is a new day,” Rivera said of his quarterback who had surgery to repair a partially torn rotator cuff on March 30. “As long as he continues to progress, we'll keep doing what we're doing.”
Given the nature of the preseason, there isn't necessarily a strong reason to push hard to get Newton on the field. There is the appeal of getting him back in rhythm and the rust off, but the nature of the surgery that he underwent requires a steady recovery process.
The Panthers don't want their star quarterback to experience any setbacks prior to the start of the 2017 season. The progressive improvement in his recovery should be what's key at this point in time with the end goal being ready by the season opener. He is currently throwing to teammates in position drills in practice.
There is plenty of motivation on Newton's end to put together a strong season given that he's coming off a disappointing season where he experienced a drop in play from his MVP campaign the year before. He threw for 19 touchdowns and 14 interceptions while completing a career-low 52.9 percent of his passes while holding a 75.8 passer rating.
