Panthers' OTAs roll on, Cam Newton a no-throw

The Carolina Panthers continued with their scheduled OTAs on Wednesday with an energetic morning session.

OFFENSIVE OBSERVATIONS:

Cam Newton was present and participated in the session but did not throw the football. head coach Ron River spoke about the timeline to get Newton in position to begin passing again after the recent OTA.

"Everything I've seen tells me he's doing a great job and we'll just continue to go forward with it until we're told what he can and can't do," Rivera said after practice on Wednesday.

There was also plenty of attention on the three top contenders looking to fill the backup role for the Panthers. While third round draft pick Will Grier looked confortable on the field, it was Taylor Heinicke who grabbed the media's attention with his downfield passing accuracy. Heinicke connected with both Jarius Wright and Curtis Samuel on challenging completions.

Tight End Greg Olsen, who has been cleared for full participation, was upbeat about Wednesday's practice. "Good to get back out here and run around a little bit," Oslen said. "I feel ready to rock."

Olsen was even more eager about the progress of the new practice bubble which is scheduled to finished this August. "It's going to be nice," Olsen said. "I think it will level the playing field a little bit."

DEFENSIVE OBSERVATION:

Defensive coordinator Eric Washington watched his veterans match up well against the fleet footed receiving core including an interception by Ross Cockrell. The interception sent a clear message to rookie quarterback Will Grier.

Luke Kueckly made, perhaps, the biggest play on defense when he broke up a pass from Heineke. Rivera talked about cohesiveness that is developing on that side of the ball and likes the bonds being shaped.

The Panthers' next open OTA practice is scheduled for Tuesday May 28, 2019.

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