Panthers' Cam Newton to make preseason debut Thursday

After weeks of rehabilitation, Cam Newton will finally get in on the preseason action.

Barring any further setbacks, the Panthers quarterback is expected to make his preseason debut in Thursday's game against the Jaguars, coach Ron Rivera confirmed Tuesday.

"What we are trying to do is practice fast and create that as close as we can to game simulation as far as that is concerned," Rivera said, via ESPN. "I thought they did that for us [Tuesday]. I think it showed. You could see the timing coming back."

While Newton has yet to dress for a preseason game, he has been revving up his throwing activities. He was seen tossing the ball around in team drills Monday and Tuesday after resting his shoulder throughout a good portion of training camp.

The Panthers have been cautious with Newton since he underwent surgery on his right shoulder in March to repair a partially torn rotator cuff, though he was anticipated to play "at some point" in the preseason.

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Given his latest step forward, Newton will likely be starting under center when the team opens the regular season Sept. 10 at San Francisco.