Cam Newton's ankle remains a source of concern four months after he had surgery to ensure he would be ready by the start of the 2014 season.
Cam Newton's ankle surgery affects Carolina's offseason plans
The Charlotte Observer reported Sunday that Newton, the Carolina Panthers' fourth-year quarterback, still has limited mobility in his surgically repaired left ankle. Newton had surgery in mid-March to tighten the ligaments in the ankle.
The Observer reported that Newton threw to Panthers wide receivers last week but did not have full range motion in the ankle.
The report added that the Panthers have to figure out how to get Newton the repetitions he needs in training camp with an entirely new group of wide receivers without putting extra pressure on his ankle and suffering a setback.
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According to NFL.com, the Panthers are asking Newton to handle more responsibility and play a bigger role in the offense this year. The 2011 NFL Rookie of the Year and two-time Pro Bowl selection (2011, 2013) has to maintain his ability to run the football to be effective.
He had 585 rushing yards and six touchdowns last season, but those numbers were far below his 706 rushing yards and 14 TDs during his rookie season in 2011.
But the team now must find out if rookie wide receiver and first-round draft pick Kelvin Benjamin out of Florida State can emerge as a star alongside a fresh-faced unit that includes Jerricho Cotchery, Jason Avant and Tiquan Underwood.
The collection appears underwhelming on paper, meaning Newton may have to be more creative with his own skills for the offense to move the football.
The team will err on the side of caution and not make Newton do too much in the offseason to make sure his ankle is ready for the opener. But that could mean that he doesn't become as familiar with his new targets as he should be.
That could set the Panthers, who went 12-4 last season, into a slow start in 2014.
Do you think Cam Newton will step up and become an elite quarterback in 2014, provided his ankle stays healthy? Comment below or tell us @SportsWN.
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