Newton shines in two-minute drill: QB Cam Newton has been picked off by the Panthers defense several times in early practices, but in the team’s first two-minute drill of the summer, Newton was nearly flawless. He completed 7 of 9 passes, and one of the incompletions was a spike to stop the clock. He hit WR Steve Smith in the end zone to complete the drive.  

As the Otah turns: OT Jeff Otah returned to the Panthers on Wednesday after his trade to the Jets was rescinded due to a failed physical. The Panthers began their medical evaluation of Otah on Wednesday and concluded their testing Thursday morning. When they have the results, the Panthers will decide whether to put him on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list, add him to the active roster or cut ties with him. Otah has ended the last three seasons on injured reserve and has played in four of the last 35 games.

Position battles No. 1: Coach Ron Rivera gave an update on some position battles and hinted at others in his last two press conferences. On Wednesday, he appeared annoyed that rookie CB Josh Norman and 2011 draft pick CB Brandon Hogan have both missed practice time with injuries. The two were expected to compete for the second cornerback spot. Rivera said other players have stepped up in their absence and mentioned DBs Josh Thomas, RJ Stanford, and Darius Butler.

Position battles No. 2: Coach Rivera said WR Brandon LaFell’s performance has wrapped up the No. 2 WR spot and everyone else is battling for the third spot. WR Louis Murphy has impressed Rivera in the competition for the No. 3 spot. The kicking battle between Olindo Mare and Justin Medlock is too close to call, and Rivera said the preseason will determine who wins the job.

Davis’ comeback slowed: LB Thomas Davis is returning from his third surgery on his right ACL. He missed practice Monday through Wednesday with an injury to his right calf. Davis said it doesn’t affect the surgically repaired knee.

For more up-to-the-minute news and analysis on the Carolina Panthers from blogger Shawn Krest, follow @CBSSportsNFLCAR.