NFL Notes: Panthers QB Cam Newton returns to practice, takes 1st-team reps
Panthers quarterback Cam Newton returned to practice Wednesday, although it remains unclear if the league’s MVP will play Sunday against the New Orleans Saints.
Newton took reps with the first-team offense after missing Monday night’s game against Tampa Bay with a concussion.
Panthers coach Ron Rivera said Newton remains in the league’s concussion protocol and it’s too early to know his status for this week’s game at the Superdome.
“He looked good and threw the ball pretty doggone well,” Rivera said. “He was involved in the plays that we had scripted for him and handled those very well.”
Rivera said now the team is waiting “with bated breath” to find out how Newton responds on Thursday when he reports to work following his first day of practice in nearly two weeks.
“It’s all part of the concussion protocol,” Rivera said.
Newton, who usually talks publicly on Wednesdays, was not available after practice.
Wearing a helmet and his red No. 1 practice jersey, Newton threw passes and joked with teammates in the huddle before taking snaps during the first 20 minutes of action that were open to the media. Newton threw the ball around and jogged during the half-speed portion of practice.
Carolina (1-4) is marred in a three-game losing streak.
But teammates said Newton’s return – and the energy he brings with him to work – gave everyone a lift.
“Having the MVP back in your offense is a big deal,” All-Pro center Ryan Kalil said. “It’s tough especially the way that he’s not been around here with the head injury. So anytime someone like that is able to come back you are very excited.”
Added tight end Greg Olsen: “I think it was a good step for him. It’s good to see him back and feeling good. Obviously we know how important he is to this team.”
Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart, who has missed the last three games with a hamstring injury, also was back at practice on a limited basis. Like Newton, it’s still too early in the week to know if he will play this week.
49ers look to Kaepernick
The San Francisco 49ers have had plenty of problems on offense the first five weeks, leading to coach Chip Kelly’s decision to bench Blaine Gabbert for Colin Kaepernick.
Perhaps none of the issues was as glaring as the inability to get the ball downfield.
Gabbert completed just two passes all season that traveled at least 21 yards downfield and his 37.3 rating on deep throws was second worst among all quarterbacks, according to Sportradar.
He badly missed open receivers on deep passes numerous times, including a key interception two weeks ago against Dallas and being wildly off-target on deep throws to Rod Streater and Torrey Smith in last week’s loss to Arizona.
With the Niners providing little threat deep, defenses have been able to crowd the line, which has hindered San Francisco’s running game and limited opportunities for big runs after the catch.
Deep throws were a big part of Kelly’s offense in his three years in Philadelphia when the Eagles were tied for fifth in the NFL with 69 completions on those passes and ranked second in TDs with 26, according to Sportradar.
Kaepernick had more success on those throws even as he struggled in other aspects last season. He completed 10 of 26 deep passes for 451 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions.
The Niners (1-4) hope Kaepernick can hit some of those throws this week against Buffalo when he makes his first start since Nov. 1, 2015.
“I think there’s just small things here and there that we need to clean up, we need to correct as a whole,” he said. “Hopefully those are things that we progress on this week and it shows Sunday and helps us get a win.”
Quick kicks
Bills RB LeSean McCoy said he is inviting 15-20 Buffalo police officers to an upcoming game at a time when the 49ers visit Buffalo next and Kaepernick is protesting police and the treatment of African-Americans and minorities. McCoy said the gesture was not a direct response to Kaepernick’s kneeling protests during the national anthem, and that he has no problem with his protests. McCoy said it has yet to be determined if the police officers will attend this weekend’s game. … Jets WR Eric Decker was placed on injured reserve with a partially torn rotator cuff in his right shoulder and will have season-ending surgery. … Chiefs LB Justin Houston has been cleared to resume football activity for the first time since having surgery to repair the ACL in his left knee in February. … Redskins TE Jordan Reed is being evaluated for a concussion, which puts his status for Sunday’s game against the Eagles in doubt.