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Newton to have shoulder surgery, expected back by training camp

Streeter Lecka / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton will undergo surgery on March 30 to treat a partially torn rotator cuff in his throwing shoulder that limited him late last season, the team announced Tuesday.

Newton will miss OTAs this spring, but is expected back by the start of training camp.

Panthers head coach Ron Rivera said at the scouting combine that Newton would not require surgery, but apparently the plan has changed, as detailed by head athletic trainer Ryan Vermillion.

"We developed a plan for Cam to take a period of rest, a period of rehabilitation and treatment, and then start a gradual throwing program the first part of March," Vermillion said.

"Cam started his program, and the early parts of his rehab had been going well. However, as we worked to advance him into the next stage - the strengthening stage, the throwing stage - he started to have an increase in his pain level and started having pain while throwing.

"As a result, Dr. Pat Connor (head team physician) felt the most prudent procedure would be to arthroscopically repair the shoulder."

The Panthers have every reason to play it safe with the face of their franchise. Newton struggled last season after an MVP campaign in 2015, so getting him back to full health will be crucial.

The Panthers also announced that defensive end Charles Johnson (back) and wide receiver Damiere Byrd (knee) will undergo surgery. Both are projected to return before the start of training camp.

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