CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton returned to practice on Wednesday for the first time since receiving a concussion in the fourth quarter of a loss Oct. 2 at Atlanta.Running back Jonathan Stewart also was back after missing the last three games with a hamstring injury.Newton had a helmet and cleats and took first-team snaps during the portion of practice that was open to the media. Before taking the first snap, the NFL MVP hand-slapped everyone in the huddle and let out a loud yell.Coach Ron Rivera said Newton brought a lot of energy to the practice.You get a guy back that is a big part of what youre doing, you can see guys gravitating [towards him] and really getting excited, he said. He brings energy to what you do.Now hes trying to keep himself in check, obviously, because of the whole protocol. But you can see him enjoying it. He even took some of the scout team reps and played scout team quarterback as well. You could see him wanting to do more.Newton was listed as limited in practice, but took the first-team reps scheduled for him and also took scout team reps while Derek Anderson took first-team reps. The Panthers felt they needed to get Anderson some reps in case Newton has a setback before gaining full clearance.Rivera said it was good to have Newton back on the field.This is the part where hes got to go out and work and see how he is, he said. But he looked good. Threw the ball pretty doggone well. He was involved with the plays we had scripted for him. He handled those really well.Well see. Were all waiting with bated breath to find out how he is tomorrow. Thats all part of the protocol.Newton didnt address the media Wednesday, but could on Thursday if he is not experiencing symptoms and is given the final clearance to play Sunday at New Orleans.He took his regular No. 1 offense reps, Rivera said. DA took some as well. We wanted to make sure just in case. Tomorrow is a big day as far as that is concerned. Until hes completely released [from the protocol] well continue to monitor what he does.Newton missed his third career start on Monday night when the Panthers lost 17-14 to Tampa Bay and dropped to 1-4. He did go through noncontact drills -- throwing and running -- before the game.The Panthers are trying to bounce back from their worst start since the 2012 season, when they opened 1-6 record before finishing 7-9.Saints coach Sean Payton said his team began preparing on Monday as though Newton will play.Thats clearly the only way to approach it, he said. Yet we understand the strengths and weaknesses of Derek [Anderson] and the other players that may or may not play on their team.Newton threw five touchdown passes, including a game-winning 15-yarder to Jerricho Cotchery with 1:05 remaining, last season in a 41-38 victory at New Orleans. Terrell Owens Super Bowl Jersey . "I wrote 36 on my sheet at the beginning of the game," the Cincinnati coach said, referring the yard line the ball would need to be snapped from. Jerry Rice Super Bowl Jersey . The injury bothered Bledsoe in the Suns victory over the Clippers on Monday and he sat out the teams home loss to Memphis on Thursday night. http://www.thesf49ersshoponline.com/Youth-dee-ford-49ers-jersey/ . First off, the fans ripped the Cubbies introduction of a fuzzy new kid-friendly mascot named "Clark". Jimmy Garoppolo Super Bowl Jersey . Speaking to the Chicago Tribune at baseballs Winter Meetings in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, Boras called the former home of the Expos a "tremendous environment" for baseball. Kyle Juszczyk Super Bowl Jersey . Didier Drogba gave away the penalty that put Senegal one goal away from a major upset, but the veteran striker will get another chance -- probably his last -- at the World Cup after Salomon Kalous injury-time strike sealed the Ivorians place in Brazil next year. It might have taken him longer than he would have liked, but Tim Tebow finally has his first hit in the Arizona Fall League.Tebow snapped his 0 for 13 drought in the league that features many of MLBs top upper-level prospects by hitting a line drive single to left field in his second at-bat with the Scottsdale Scorpions on Tuesday.The single came against Mesa Solar Sox right-hander Duane Underwood Jr., a Chicago Cubs prospect who went 0-5 with a 4.91 ERA in 13 starts with Double-A Tennessee during the regullar season.ddddddddddddebow started 0-for-9 in the Arizona Fall League, then took the weekend off to fulfill his duties as a college football analyst for ESPN. He returned to the diamond on Monday and went 0-for-3 before his breakthrough on Tuesday.The Mets signed Tebow to a minor league deal worth $100,000 last month.Information from ESPNs Adam Rubin contributed to this report. ' ' '