The Carolina Panthers and their fans have been anticipating the return of Cam Newton. Ron Rivera is quick to point out that Carolina is going to have to ease Newton back into practicing.

After sitting out of practice on Saturday, Ron Rivera said that Cam Newton's early day off is “part of the plan.”  Newton participated fully in the Panthers' first two practices with no limitations before getting the day off on Saturday.

Throughout this offseason, Newton has been rehabbing a shoulder injury that cut his season short in 2018. Just about a month ago, Newton was cleared to throw again. He is back with the team and practicing.

With training camps just getting underway, Rivera knows that there is no need to overwork Newton this early. It's going to be a process to get Newton ready for Week 1.

Related NewsArticle continues below
Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales with QB Bryce Young and a silhouette of an American football player with a big question mark emoji inside. There is also a logo for the Carolina Panthers.
Carolina Panthers 3 best trade targets to round out 2025 roster
Tetairoa McMillan, Jordan Brand, Panthers
Jordan Brand signs Panthers’ Tetairoa McMillan
Wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan walks across the stage after being selected eighth overall by the Carolina Panthers during the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 24, 2025, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The draft runs through April 26.
Dave Canales’ ‘smooth’ review of Tetairoa McMillan will get Panthers fans hyped

Last season, the Panthers were on a roll through the first eight games of the season, going 6-2. Then, a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday Night Football in Week 10 changed the outlook of their whole season.

In that game, the Steelers stomped on the Panthers, winning the game by the score of 52-21. Besides losing the game, Newton took a hit to his throwing shoulder from T.J. Watt that would begin to cause problems.

After that game, Newton's shoulder continued to decline and it was becoming more and more noticeable that it was bothering him. As a result, Rivera and the coaching staff shut him down.

Now, Newton looks to be in good spirits as he is getting back on the practice field with his teammates. Yet, Rivera doesn't want fans to be concerned if they don't see him out there every day—it is part of the plan.