Cam Newton's Shoulder Surgery Reportedly to Sideline QB for 'About 4 Months'

Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton will have his injured right throwing shoulder operated on Thursday.

Per ESPN.com's Adam Schefter, Newton is "expected to be sidelined about four months" following the procedure.

The Panthers announced March 21 that Newton needed surgery to repair a partially torn rotator cuff he suffered during a Week 14 game against the San Diego Chargers.

Panthers head athletic trainer Ryan Vermillion said the expectation is Newton will start "an early throwing program" after 12 weeks with the hope he will be able to "start throwing with the team at 16 weeks" following the procedure, per Max Henson of the team's official website.

Newton completed a career-low 52.9 percent of his passes last season, but he only missed one game in Week 5 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers due to a rib injury. The Panthers finished a disappointing 6-10, last in the NFC South, one year after playing in the Super Bowl.