Cam Newton, Jonathan Stewart return to practice for Panthers

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (ESPN) — Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton returned to practice on Wednesday for the first time since receiving a concussion in the fourth quarter of a loss Oct. 2 at Atlanta.

Running back Jonathan Stewart also was back after missing the last three games with a hamstring injury.

Newton had a helmet and cleats, but it was unclear how much he would do in practice.

If symptoms of Newton’s concussion do not return over the next few days he will be cleared to play Sunday at New Orleans.

Newton missed his third career start on Monday night when the Panthers lost 17-14 to Tampa Bay and dropped to 1-4. He did go through noncontact drills — throwing and running — before the game.

The Panthers are trying to bounce back from their worst start since the 2012 season, when they opened 1-6 record before finishing 7-9.

Saints coach Sean Payton said his team began preparing on Monday as though Newton will play.

“That’s clearly the only way to approach it,” he said. “Yet we understand the strengths and weaknesses of Derek [Anderson] and the other players that may or may not play on their team.

Newton threw five touchdown passes, including a game-winning 15-yarder to Jerricho Cotchery with 1:05 remaining, last season in a 41-38 victory at New Orleans.