CHARLOTTE – Quarterback Cam Newton will be 100 percent involved in training camp from Friday's opening snap at Fan Fest, general manager Dave Gettleman and head coach Ron Rivera confirmed Thursday when players reported to Bank of America Stadium for the start of camp.
"Cam is going to participate full-go," Rivera said. "Obviously we'll monitor him just to make sure, and he'll go through treatments just like he's supposed to for maintenance. But he's starting from Day One, and that will be good."
Newton underwent successful surgery on his left ankle March 19 and was expected to need about four months to recover. Three months to the day after the procedure, he was able to part in the final practice of the Panthers' offseason workout, then he worked with some of his wide receivers last week to get further prepared for camp.
He'll be in action when the Panthers take the field for Fan Fest on Friday at Bank of America Stadium. Gates for the free event open at 5 p.m., and the night will conclude with fireworks around 9.
"I'm excited about having him back on the football field fulltime with those guys," Rivera said. "I saw him earlier bouncing around, so I'm pretty excited about seeing him on the football field tomorrow."
