Cam Newton's status still unclear

— -- CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton returned to practice Wednesday for the first time since suffering two small fractures in his lower back in a Dec. 9 automobile crash near Bank of America Stadium.

Newton worked with the second team during the first 20 minutes of practice, which were open to the media.

Derek Anderson, who started in Sunday's 19-17 victory over Tampa Bay, worked with the first team. He said the repetitions were split pretty evenly and that he didn't have a feel for what direction the coaches were leaning.

Coach Ron Rivera liked what he saw out of Newton in practice.

"He's progressed," Rivera said. "[Tuesday] he had a real busy day. He came in early, did some of his treatment, went to his charity event, came back, did some more treatment, watched tape, did some more treatment and then went upstairs and met with the coaches."

Newton's status for Sunday's game against Cleveland remains unclear. He moved and threw well for the most part. He ran the beginning of drills in a wide-open sprint and made a few juke-and-jive moves on the read-option without difficulty.

"Tomorrow will be a big day, especially in the morning, to see where he is health-wise, if he's sore, if something is bothering him," Rivera said. "They put him through some very rigorous stuff today with the intention to stress it to see how it feels."

Newton was slightly off on a few deep passes, but his arm strength and velocity appeared strong. He threw a 60-yard pass to Stephen Hill that the practice squad receiver couldn't catch up to.

While Newton was listed as limited on the official injury report, Rivera said the two-time Pro Bowler did everything the team wanted.

"He went through all the drills," Rivera said. "He went through all the team drills. He went through all the individual drills. He did all we had slated for him.

"This is a young man who is very strong-willed and very tough."

Rivera said as far as he knew Newton wasn't in any pain.

The coach said he is treating this week like he did when Newton was recovering from fractured ribs before the season opener against Tampa Bay and the following week against Detroit. Newton made his first start of the season in Week 2 against the Lions after sitting out against the Buccaneers.

Newton was not available for comment, but he is expected to address the media Thursday.

The Panthers (5-8-1) remain in the race for the NFC South title with New Orleans (6-8) and Atlanta (5-9). They need to win their final two games and have the Saints lose once to repeat as division champions.