NFC Notes: Buccaneers, Packers, Panthers

Buccaneers

Buccaneers HC Bruce Arians says DE Jason Pierre-Paul is still looking at a five-six month recovery period from his auto accident. 

“He’s doing good. His spirits are good,” Arians said via JoeBucsFan.com. “You know, it’s just one of those things, you just wait and wait and wait, and make sure the thing doesn’t displace and not have to have an operation. We got our fingers crossed and are praying for him all the time.” 

Packers

• Per Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer, HC Matt LaFleur‘s Achilles injury will only relegate him to the cart for minicamp and OTA’s. He’ll be back on his feet in time for training camp. 

Panthers

Per Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer, the Panthers and QB Cam Newton are targeting the start of training camp in late July for Newton to start throwing without limitations. 

Video surfaced of Newton throwing overhanded with some trainers last week, which displeased HC Ron Rivera.

“Somebody came in and took a picture, which we really don’t appreciate because this is private property,” Rivera said via the Charlotte Observer’s Jourdan Rodrigue. “Again, he’s going through the process of his rehab program. At some point, he’s going to have to throw the football. It just so happened that the other day, he did. And as I said, somebody came in a took a picture, which we really don’t appreciate the snooping on what we’re doing around here.”

• Rivera said the Panthers were still waiting to hear from DT Gerald McCoy: “We’d love to have him be part of what we’re doing. I think we’ve got a good chance. I think all the other teams would say the same thing. We’re just waiting patiently.” (Max Henson)