Cam Newton to undergo surgery on his throwing shoulder

The Carolina Panthers announced on Tuesday that Cam Newton will undergo surgery on his throwing shoulder to repair a partially torn rotator cuff. He’ll have the procedure done on March 30.

The injury happened in Week 14 of last season against the San Diego Chargers. Newton didn’t miss a single snap as a result of the shoulder ailment, finishing the final three games of the season.

Knowing the injury happened so long ago, it’s a wonder why he waited so long to have it fixed. Panthers head trainer Ryan Vermillion attempted to explain why, suggesting Newton had hoped it would heal with rest.

“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 for a timetable, it’s not ideal. Newton will begin an “early throwing program” with Vermillion 12 weeks after the March 30 surgery. After that, if all goes well, he’ll resume throwing with the team four weeks later.

As a result, Newton will miss all of OTAs and minicamp practices, though the Panthers plan for him to be back for camp.

“Our goal is to have him back at the start of training camp,” Vermillion said.