Panthers' Cam Newton: Progresses to football activities of some sort

Newton (concussion) took part in some football activities Monday and will be re-evaluated Tuesday, the Charlotte Observer reports.

Analysis:

Newton's progression to football activities hints at improvement, though he presumably didn't do much besides throwing, as his teammates were unavailable to practice while preparing for Monday's game against Tampa Bay. Fellow injured starter Jonathan Stewart (hamstring) worked out on the field prior to the game, whereas Newton was not even at the stadium -- likely because the loud noise and bright lights wouldn't mesh well with his concussion symptoms. With a short week ahead of him, Newton's practice participation will need to be monitored closely as the Panthers prepare for a Week 6 tilt in New Orleans. Carolina's season is already on the line, considering only two teams since the 1970 merger have made the playoffs after starting 1-5. The Panthers dropped to 1-4 on Monday, hampered by Derek Anderson's untimely interceptions.