Ron Rivera Says Cam Newton Will Participate in Workouts Despite Shoulder Injury

Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton is scheduled for shoulder surgery Thursday but will still be involved with the team's offseason workouts.

Head coach Ron Rivera appeared on NFL Network Monday and said, via David Newton of ESPN.com: "He'll be able to do a lot with the exception of throwing. Everything we do, he'll be involved."

David Newton detailed the injury and noted Carolina's head trainer, Ryan Vermillion, said an MRI revealed a partial tear in the quarterback's rotator cuff. Surgery was set after rest and rehabilitation didn't heal the injury.

In addition to providing a workouts update, Rivera said Newton will be back for training camp. If the Auburn product remains on the rehabilitation schedule, he will be throwing 12 weeks after surgery.

Even though Newton won't be throwing at offseason workouts, his presence will prove critical because Rivera previously said Carolina is looking to put less wear and tear on the signal-caller this season, per the report.

According to ESPN Stats & Information, Newton has been sacked or hit 922 times since the Panthers drafted him in 2011, far ahead of Russell Wilson's 615 (second in that time).

Even mental reps will help him visualize and grasp any offensive changes as the 2017 campaign approaches.

Keeping Newton healthy will be important for the Panthers as they look to bounce back from a 6-10 campaign. The three-time Pro Bowler and 2015 MVP recently led Carolina to Super Bowl 50, where they lost to the Denver Broncos, and will strive to replicate that success with a healthy shoulder this upcoming season.