Report: Newton resumes throwing at Panthers OTAs

Cam Newton has taken a positive step in his recovery from shoulder surgery, as the Carolina Panthers quarterback began throwing overhand with regulation-sized footballs on Thursday, a league source told Jourdan Rodrigue of the Charlotte Observer.

Newton, 30, remains on schedule to participate in team workouts during training camp but won't be rushed back, reports Rodrigue.

The dual-threat passer claimed to be "feeling great" earlier in May and hoped to be throwing consistently before camp in July. The beginning of a throwing program represents the next big step in the former MVP's rehabilitation process after he went under the knife this offseason.

Carolina began the 2018 season with a 6-2 record, but the offense sputtered as Newton battled health issues. The Panthers averaged just 18.8 points per game over a six-game losing streak from Weeks 10 to 15, a stark drop from the 27.5 points per game they produced to start the campaign.

With the Panthers out of the playoff race following their skid, Newton sat out the final two games of the season as Carolina dropped its seventh straight before wrapping up the campaign with a road win at New Orleans.