It wasn't his usual pre-practice effort, but Cam Newton was back dancing Wednesday.

Still in the NFL's concussion protocol, the Carolina Panthers quarterback went through a limited practice. But he wore a helmet and his red No. 1 jersey while splitting first-team snaps with backup Derek Anderson.

Because players can sometimes experience concussion-like symptoms when they return to practice, Newton isn't yet guaranteed to start Sunday in New Orleans. But he's certainly on track.

"He threw the ball pretty doggone well," coach Ron Rivera said. "He was involved with the plays that we had scripted for him. He handled those very well. We'll see. We're all waiting with baited breath to find out how he is (Thursday morning)."

 

TEAMMATE REACTIONS

 

FB Mike Tolbert

"Whenever you get an MVP-caliber player back on the field it's definitely going to lift your team up. Nothing against Derek (Anderson). He did a great job for us, but at the same time, Cam Newton is Cam Newton."

C Ryan Kalil

"I'm just really happy that he's better now. Obviously, any time somebody is dealing with something like that, you hate to see guys in those situations. So to have Cam not feeling like he was last week and seeing him better, more like himself, was really good for all of us."

DT Kyle Love

"It's good to see our leader back. He's the captain, the number one guy on the team. It's good to see that guy back and bring the energy back to us. I know he's going to play hard. He's been doing that his whole life — since high school or rec ball. I know he's going to be ready to go when we get to New Orleans."