SPARTANBURG, S.C. – Quarterback Cam Newton and running back Jonathan Stewart took positive steps forward during a rain-soaked practice on Sunday.
In addition to some designed roll outs, Newton performed the zone-read for the first time in training camp, and Stewart practiced for the first time since suffering a hamstring injury before camp began.
Head coach Ron Rivera said he expects Newton, Stewart and running back DeAngelo Williams, who was rested in the preseason opener, to play against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday at Bank of America Stadium.
"It's good to have Jonathan out there, it really is. As far as Cam was concerned, that's all a part of what we're going through with him," Rivera said. "It was decided that we were going to work some zone-read with him today, so he got a little bit of that.
"Cam is on track to do the things we need him to do now. We've mapped out a lot of things, and every day is different. We have things that our coordinators have scripted and put into play. It's all stuff that we've checked with R.V. (head athletic trainer Ryan Vermillion) and the doctors as to what we can do, and now we're getting to the point where the workload is going increase and things are going to change where we do things differently."
The wet conditions weren't ideal for the introduction of the zone-read, but Newton and the offense managed.
There were some bobbled snaps and some slips, but all things considered, the receivers did a good job of securing the football.
Rookie defensive end Kony Ealy missed practice with foot soreness, offensive tackle Nate Chandler sat out with leg soreness and rookie wide receiver Philly Brown was held out with a tight hamstring.
