Don’t freak out.
Yes, Cam Newton was limited in practice today, listed with a right shoulder and he wore a sleeve during the session – but this is part of a “new normal” for Newton; don’t forget he was limited during most Wednesday practices during last season.
“[It’s] just pretty much general soreness, I mean the guy played a heck of a fourth quarter,” said Ron Rivera. “A little sore, little tired, it’s this time of year. I think we’ve just got to be smart, we have a number of guys that didn’t practice – Mike Adams, Julius [Peppers] – it’s just one of those things. I think we’ve gotten to the point of the year where we’ve got to be smart with some of our veteran guys.”
While Matt Kalil (knee) and rookie linebacker Andre Smith (hamstring) continued to work on the side, Torrey Smith was not present at practice but was in the locker room without a brace on the leg he injured during Sunday’s game against the Eagles. While players like Adams, Peppers and even Mario Addison appreciates the rest, Newton certainly does not want to take time off.
“He understands, he gets it [and] he reluctantly does it,” said Rivera. “He does the part of the practices that we allow him to do and the other parts he stands back there with Norv and Scott [Turner] and watches practice and evaluates, and when he gets a chance, he can heckle the defense.”
Check out the rest of the injury report and remember, it’s just Wednesday, when a player misses practice or is limited on Thursday that your ears should perk up:
| Player | Injury | Practice Participation | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mike Adams | Rest | None | Looking like Wednesdays off will be the New Normal for the 37-year old. |
| Julius Peppers | Rest | None | Peppers doesn't need to practice on Wednesdays |
| Mario Addison | Back | None | |
| Torrey Smith | Knee | None | Was limping yesterday, but was not wearing a brace in the locker room after practice. |
| Andre Smith | Hamstring | None | |
| Greg Olsen | Foot | Limited | |
| Cam Newton | Right Shoulder | Limited |
