SPARTANBURG, S.C. — Cam Newton’s return to game action will have to wait.
Panthers coach Ron Rivera said Newton and linebacker Luke Kuechly will not play in Thursday night’s preseason opener against the Bears at Soldier Field, adding he’s being extra cautious with both players.
Newton is working his way back into form after having arthroscopic surgery on his right shoulder in January, while Kuechly missed time last week after he got “rolled up on” during practice. The six-time Pro Bowl linebacker wouldn’t disclose the exact nature of the injury.
The 30-year-old Newton hasn’t played a game since Dec.