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.''