Cam Newton will commence throwing next week for the first time since undergoing shoulder surgery in March.
Carolina Panthers coach Ron Rivera said Monday he anticipates Newton throwing on the side with head athletic trainer Ryan Vermillion at minicamp next week, via Max Henson of the team's official website.
The timeline puts Newton on pace in his recovery. When the quarterback underwent surgery in late March, Vermillion noted Newton would toss on the side after 12 weeks, throw with the team 16 weeks after surgery and be ready for training camp in July.
Tossing on the side with the trainer is a baby step in the process, but it's a positive development to a team revamping its offense with rookie playmakers Christian McCaffrey and Curtis Samuel. Assuming Newton doesn't suffer a setback this summer, he'll be ready for training camp, which should give him time to build a rapport with his new weapons before the season opens.