Cam Newton is ahead of schedule in his recovery from surgery on his left ankle.

Newton participated in seven-on-seven drills on Thursday with the Carolina Panthers.

"Real sluggish,'' Newton said as the Panthers concluded a three-day minicamp, their final tune-up before training camp. "My mind was moving faster than my body, but that comes with time.

"Excited to get back out there. Not 100 percent yet, but any progress is good progress.''

On Tuesday, the NFL Network reported that people close to Cam Newton are terrified that Colin Kaepernick's deal might set a standard for the Panthers to use in their dealings with the QB. Specifically, the report said Newton would want much more than the $13 million in guaranteed money Kaepernick received up front.

"I'm not terrified of anything,'' Newton said Wednesday in response.

The Carolina Panthers have the rights to Newton through the 2015 season, but they've expressed an interest in signing their franchise quarterback to a long-term deal. Negotiations have not begun.

Kaepernick signed a six-year deal worth $110 million earlier this month with the 49ers. The contract reportedly included a record $61 million in injury guarantees.