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Cam Newton resting after surgery on injured foot

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Panthers quarterback Cam Newton has had surgery on his injured foot and is resting in his hometown of Atlanta.

Carolina interim coach Perry Fewell said Wednesday that the surgery was a success, but added there is no timetable for Newton’s return to the football field.

Sources said the hope is Newton will be healthy by the spring.

The league's MVP in 2015, Newton played only two games this season after injuring his foot in a preseason game at New England. He was placed on injured reserve and hasn't played since. Newton has lost his last eight starts overall and his future in Carolina remains uncertain.

The Panthers can save $19 million under next year’s NFL salary cap by trading or releasing him.

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Newton aggravated the Lisfranc injury in his left foot in a Week 2 loss to Tampa Bay after originally getting hurt during a preseason game.

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The team placed Newton on injured reserve on Nov. 5, saying he "diligently followed a program of rest and rehab," but was still experiencing pain in his foot.

Before this injury, the first pick of the 2011 draft had missed only three starts in seven years.

Newton was the league's MVP in 2015 but has lost his last eight starts dating back to last season.

Newton, 30, has one year left on his contract. He is scheduled to count $21.1 million against the 2020 salary cap. Should the team decide to move on from him after this season, it would clear $19.1 million in cap space.

Owner David Tepper said the team will wait to see how Newton recovers before making any decisions about his future.

Newton leads the Panthers in career touchdown passes (182) and rushing touchdowns (58). He is the first quarterback in NFL history with at least 50 rushing touchdowns, the most in league history.

He is third on the NFL's all-time rushing list for quarterbacks with 4,806 yards. Michael Vick leads the way with 6,109, followed by Randall Cunningham with 4,928.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Cox Media Group

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