Panthers to limit Cam Newton in camp, preseason

The Carolina Panthers are being smart with Cam Newton.

On Wednesday, head coach Ron Rivera told media that Cam Newton will be on a pitch count throughout camp and the preseason. He is being worked back after enduring offseason shoulder surgery. Per NFL.com:

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“Well, we have a plan. Obviously it’s going to be structured around our installation, so based on the things that we have as far as going in with our install, will dictate what he does. All of his reps will be monitored, they’ll be scripted out and we’ll just follow that pattern as we go through,” Rivera said. “We believe he’ll be ready to roll. He had a good offseason, he had a good break from what we were told. Again, the proof will be in the pudding and we’ll see tomorrow exactly.”

With third-round rookie quarterback Will Grier in the mix as Newton’s backup, getting Grier some work makes plenty of sense as well. Should Newton stay healthy throughout the regular season, Grier isn’t likely to see a single snap between Labor Day and Christmas. If he can get a lion’s share of the plays called for him in the preseason, it only benefits a Panthers team which will eventually need to decide what Grier’s ceiling is in the NFL.

Meanwhile, limiting Newton in the summer allows for continued rest of his shoulder and a slow climb towards Week 1. Carolina is trying to get back to the postseason after a very disappointing 2018 campaign with saw Carolina start 6-2, only to finish 7-9. Newton is personally hoping to play better as well after throwing for only 3,395 yards and 24 touchdowns against 13 interceptions over 14 games. Newton sat out the final two games of the year with his aforementioned shoulder injury.

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If Newton’s isn’t at 100 percent, it’s tough to envision the Panthers even approaching the playoffs. The 30-year-old former MVP will once again be the catalyst for the offense, largely sharing the spotlight with only running back Christian McCaffrey and tight end Greg Olsen. Carolina is hoping for a big season from 2018 first-round pick, wide receiver D.J. Moore, as well.

Going into the season, the Panthers are trying to chase down the New Orleans Saints in the NFC South. Carolina split the season series last year against New Orleans, albeit with the win coming in Week 17 against Teddy Bridgewater and a host of second-stringers.