Panthers QB Cam Newton undergoes shoulder surgery

Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right shoulder Thursday.

The Panthers said rehabilitation for the former MVP will begin immediately, but gave no timetable for completion of that process.

Newton, 29, missed the final two games of the 2018 season with a sore throwing shoulder. The team said the procedure was successfully performed in Charlotte by team physician Dr. Pat Connor.

Newton had surgery on the same shoulder in March of 2017, also performed by Connor, to repair a torn rotator cuff. He recovered from that surgery in time to play in the third preseason game and did not miss a start during the 2017 regular season.

This surgery should require a shorter recovery period, given that it was done arthroscopically.

Newton completed a career-best 67.9 percent of his passes in 14 starts (6-8 record) in 2018, throwing 24 touchdown passes and eclipsing 3,000 yards (3,395) for the eighth straight season. He also rushed for 488 yards and four scores.

A Heisman Trophy winner at Auburn and the No. 1 overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, Newton was the Offensive Rookie of the Year and was voted the league’s Most Valuable Player in 2015.

Newton is a three-time Pro Bowl selection and holds the NFL career record for rushing touchdowns by a quarterback (58).

–Field Level Media