Panthers will keep Newton on pitch count early in camp

Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton will throw a limited number of passes early in training camp as he reintegrates himself into the offense following offseason shoulder surgery.

"We have a plan, it's gonna be structured around our (offense's) installation," head coach Ron Rivera told reporters Wednesday, courtesy of Steve Reed of the Associated Press.

Newton threw in a limited capacity during offseason OTAs and minicamp. He labored through a shoulder issue for the second half of last season before the Panthers shut him down for the final two games.

Rivera noted the Panthers believe Newton is "ready to roll," but will take a cautious approach with the former MVP to ensure he doesn't reinjure himself.

"All of his reps will be monitored, they'll be scripted out and we'll just follow that pattern as we go through it," he said.

Newton finished last season passing for 3,395 yards with 24 touchdowns and 13 interceptions across 14 outings.