Carolina Panthers QB Cam Newton throws for first time since shoulder surgery

Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton is throwing again for the first time since undergoing offseason surgery to repair a partially torn rotator cuff in his right throwing shoulder.

The Panthers posted a video on the team website to document an update on Newton's recovery. He threw 45 passes to head trainer Ryan Vermillion in the locker room in sets of 15 throws.

"Obviously, it's still not 100 percent, but seeing the ball come out of my hand in a throwing motion was good," Newton told the website. "When I say it's not 100 percent, I'm noting the range-of-motion part. Like if you sleep with your legs hanging off your bed the whole night, you're going to wake up and be super stiff. Or like sitting on your hands, or sitting in an awkward position and finally getting up and moving -- that's how I feel."

Newton underwent surgery on March 30 to repair a partially torn rotator cuff that was expected to require a four-month rehab process. At the time, the team said the 2015 NFL MVP would not be allowed to throw for 12 weeks and wouldn't throw with the team for 16 weeks.

Newton is expected to be cleared to throw to teammates when the Panthers begin training camp on July 26 in Spartanburg, S.C.

"I want to be 100 percent come training camp," Newton told the team website. "There's no doubt that I will be. Shoot, in two weeks, I'll be ready to rock and roll. It's just the stiffness, getting the range of motion back, strengthening those joints and the arm. Hopefully, with no setbacks, we'll be good."

Newton's injury occurred in the Panthers' Week 14 game against the Chargers. He played in each of the team's remaining three games and underwent offseason MRI exams to monitor his progress before deciding on surgery.

Newton passed for 3,509 yards with 19 touchdowns and 14 interceptions last season for the Panthers, who missed the playoffs after finishing last in the NFC South with a 6-10 record.