Panthers kick off mandatory minicamp Tuesday

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Carolina Panthers started the next phase of preseason practice Tuesday.

Panthers players, rookies and veterans hit the practice field for the beginning of their three-day mandatory minicamp.

Quarterback Cam Newton still has not thrown the football as he recovers from surgery to repair a partially torn rotator cuff.

Head coach Ron Rivera said Newton's presence alone is pivotal.

"You could see the excitement in (Cam’s) voice as he sees things happen,” Rivera said. “He sees guys making plays. He sees the growth in our wide receiver position. I just think him being around, you know, it's fun to watch him stay engaged."

Offensive lineman Michael Oher wasn’t at the first day of mandatory Panthers minicamp, though Rivera said he is in Charlotte.

Julius Peppers, the second overall pick by the Panthers in 2002, was on the field.

Peppers was with the team during OTAs, but did indoor workouts and conditioning. He signed with the Panthers as a free agent in the offseason.

Peppers had 7.5 sacks for the Green Bay Packers last season.

Rookie running back Christian McCaffrey, a first-round draft pick out of Stanford, is expected to participate in practice on Thursday,

Cox Media Group