NFL Note - Carolina Panthers Newton, Cam

Aug 18, 2017 - 8:07 AM QB Cam Newton didn't take part in the scrimmage situations during the first day of joint workouts with the Tennessee Titans, but he was involved in some 7-and-7 drills when the teams gathered for the second of those workouts Thursday.

So, while there has been progress shown as he comes back following offseason shoulder surgery, there continues to be an incomplete sample.

Newton has been praised by head coach Ron Rivera for bringing energy and enthusiasm to workouts, though his role needs to be much more than a cheerleader for the Panthers to be comfortable entering the season.

The Panthers play their second preseason game Saturday when they take on the Titans in Nashville.

The status of Newton, who didn't play in the first preseason game, remains unclear. Rivera said that situation will be evaluated after Thursday and Friday, but the odds of Newton playing in that preseason matchup appear slim.