Cam Newton shows no sign of rust in first preseason action

Cam Newton didn't play long, but he did play well.

The 2015 NFL MVP made his preseason debut Thursday in Jacksonville, leading a 10-play, 75-yard touchdown drive in his only series.

Newton threw just two passes on the drive, completing each for 21 yards. His second completion was a 9-yard touchdown to Kelvin Benjamin to give Carolina a 7-0 lead.

Newton hit Benjamin in stride and the big receiver strolled into the end zone.

The Panthers have been cautious with Newton since he underwent surgery on his right shoulder in March to repair a partially torn rotator cuff. He sat out the first two preseason games before Thursday's short night of work.

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The big play on the scoring drive was a 31-yard run by Jonathan Stewart as Newton handed off to either Stewart or rookie Christian McCaffrey on Carolina's first six plays. Newton didn't test his shoulder Thursday with any deep throws, and his first pass was a 12-yard completion to McCaffrey on a short throw.

Carolina will continue to play it safe with Newton, who likely won't play in the preseason finale but is expected to be full-go for the regular-season opener at San Francisco.