CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Cam Newton is quickly working his way back from ankle surgery. Carolinas Pro Bowl quarterback did some light throwing during Wednesdays OTA and coach Ron Rivera said afterward he wouldnt rule out Newton participating in the teams mandatory minicamp June 17-19. "I wouldnt put it past him," Rivera said. If Newton can return early that would give him a chance to begin developing some chemistry with a completely revamped receiving corps. Carolina parted ways with its top four receivers from last season, including Steve Smith. Newton went through warm-ups with his teammates and then mostly played the role of cheerleader during the two-hour practice session, except for a short period where he threw 10- to 20-yard passes to receivers from a stationary position. However, Newton stayed after practice to throw a few dozen additional passes to some of the teams younger wide receivers, including first-round draft pick Kelvin Benjamin. The QB had surgery to relieve chronic pain in his left ankle and had been expected to miss four months -- which would have kept him out until just before the start of training camp. But he appears ahead of schedule. "Hes been doing it for the last few days -- throwing the ball on the side," Rivera said. "Hes been looking good, he really has. And Im excited about it. He says that foot is getting stronger and stronger every day so were excited about whats happening for him." Newton did not address the media Wednesday. He has been working on building a relationship with Benjamin, who helped Florida State win a national championship last season and is a player the team hopes will develop into the No. 1 receiver to replace Smith, who was released during the off-season. "Its neat to see," Rivera said. "They have kind of hit it off." Defensive end Greg Hardy, who was arrested earlier this month for assaulting a female and communicating threats, did participate in practice. However, he declined interview requests as he left the practice field saying he had to get inside the stadium to lift weights. Hardy is scheduled to appear in court June 27 to answer the misdemeanour charges. Hardys teammates said they dont believe his arrest will be a distraction. "You just come to work. Thats what we do -- let the work speak for itself," said defensive end Charles Johnson. "I dont get into peoples personal lives. As long as (guys) come to work ready to work." Hardy has been a major producer for the Panthers the last two seasons. After registering 11 sacks in 2012, Hardy tied a franchise record with 15 sacks last season and was selected to his first Pro Bowl. "Gregs looked really good," Rivera said. "Its tough because were not in pads, so when he comes off the ball the tackles cant really strike him the way you normally would in pads. So I think advantage goes to him right now. Hes very quick, very athletic and doing some very good things." The NFC South champion Panthers made Hardy their franchise player earlier this year, giving him more than $13 million for the 2014 season. But that decision forced the salary cap strapped Panthers to part ways with other players following a 12-4 season.. Gone are Smith and fellow receivers Brandon LaFell and Ted Ginn Jr., offensive tackle Jordan Gross and defensive backs Captain Munnerlyn and Mike Mitchell. Johnson said he expects a lot of people to count the Panthers out because of the players theyve lost from last years team. He recommends they dont. "Just because we have new people doesnt mean we arent going to do good," Johnson said. "We are going to be all right." Bryan Garcia Jersey . The Rangers announced after Thursdays 4-2 loss to the New York Yankees that they would purchase Williams contract from Triple-A Round Rock. The 32-year-old Williams was released by Houston earlier this month after going 1-4 with a 6. Denny McLain Jersey . -- Howie Kendrick had a two-run single in his first game batting leadoff this season, Chris Iannetta hit a pair of RBI singles and the Los Angeles Angels beat Cleveland 6-4 Tuesday night, sending the Indians to their fifth straight defeat. https://www.cheaptigers.com/. The Packers, Lions and Bears were a combined 35-15 and as long as Jay Cutler can say healthy, all three could make the playoffs in 2012. Willie Hernandez Jersey .com) - Whew! North Dakota States reign as the three-time FCS national champion was pushed to the limit by South Dakota State on Saturday, but freshman R. Marcos Diplan Jersey . On a hot, sweaty day, the Hall of Famer looked cool and comfortable.CHARLOTTE - With his role on a new team in flux, Raptors back-up point guard D.J. Augustin is in the middle of a nostalgic week. Just four games into his Raptors career, Augustin returned to Charlotte - a city in which he played and lived for four years - on Wednesday and will make his first return to Indiana two days later. "Its different," Augustin said of his emotions, sitting in the visitors locker room at Charlottes Time Warner Cable Arena moments before Wednesday nights game. "Its a different feeling being on this side of the locker room but thats how life is, you have different experiences, you change, [experience] different changes in your career and thats where Im at now." "[Its] familiar territory. I lived [in Charlotte] for four years. The team drafted me, gave me a chance in the NBA so its real special, always to come back is a great feeling." The sixth year guard signed a one-year deal with Toronto during the summer after spending last season with the Pacers and the four prior as a Bobcat. Charlotte and Indiana are the only NBA homes Augustin had ever known. Coming off his worst statistical season with the Pacers, Augustin is still trying to find a comfort level in his new home. The back-up point guard has already experienced ups and downs in his short time with the Raptors. After a disappointing preseason, the veteran was given first crack at the gig, spelling Kyle Lowry off the bench, based on his experience over rookie Dwight Buycks and the recently signed Julyan Stone. Averaging 2.8 points and 1.4 assists, playing just under 12 minutes as reserve in Torontos first five games, Augustin has shown glimpses of the player he once was in Charlotte. Most concerning, he has been inconsistent, occasionally erratic at the point of attack andd has struggled with his jump shot - one of his strengths as a player - shooting just 24 per cent from the field and missing all seven of his three-point attempts.dddddddddddd. "[Im] still trying to get comfortable," Augustin admitted. "Weve got a lot of games to go. [Im] still trying to get comfortable [and] get in a rhythm but once it comes I think well all be clicking." "Hes just finding his rhythm," Dwane Casey echoed. "I think hes trying to be a good teammate now, trying to find his teammates and move the ball. I think that may be taking away from his shooting a bit." "Hes done a solid job," his new coach continued. "You always want more but hes done a solid job for what we need." In the first of his two homecomings, Augustin played just six first half minutes against the Bobcats Wednesday, missing his only field goal but connecting on his three free throw attempts. Searching for answers at the position, Casey opted to go with Stone off the bench in the second half as Augustin watched his new team drop a disappointing and controversial game to his old one. Drafted ninth overall by Charlotte in 2008, Augustin experienced his greatest personal success on mostly terrible Bobcats teams during his four-year tenure. With the Bobcats, Augustin averaged 10.9 points and 4.4 assists, shooting 37 per cent from long range and starting in 142 of 282 games. He is still trying to get back to that level. "This is my sixth year in the NBA, I know its a long season," he acknowledged. "Youve got to take care of your body and do the little things to help you play better on the court." On Friday he will make his first return to Indiana to face the undefeated Pacers, where both he and his team have something to prove. ' ' '