Coming off a disappointing loss to the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl LI following the 2015 season, the Carolina Panthers were expected to again compete for a berth in the big game last year.

However, things didn't go according to plan, as the Panthers finished the season with a disappointing 6-10 record - dead last in the competitive NFC South division.

As the team eyes a chance to rebound in 2017, it'll have to do so (at least through training camp) without the services of star quarterback Cam Newton.

Newton will have shoulder surgery on March 30 and will miss at least 12 weeks of offseason action. A Carolina team trainer told ESPN.com that the injury occurred in Week 14 of last season and never healed properly, despite the best efforts of the training staff:

"It is well-documented and well-researched that overhead-throwing athletes commonly have wear and tear to their rotator cuffs," Panthers head athletic trainer Ryan Vermillion told the team's website. "As a result of the MRI, we modified all of Cam's work in the weight room and on the field for the final three weeks of the season."

Vermillion elaborated on the injury to Newton's throwing shoulder, detailing what the Panthers did to try to help their star avoid surgery.

However, as time wore on, Newton's shoulder wasn't responding, which is why he's now scheduled for surgery:

"We developed a plan for Cam to take a period of rest, a period of rehabilitation and treatment, and then start a gradual throwing program the first part of March," Vermillion said. "Cam started his program, and the early parts of his rehab had been going well. However, as we worked to advance him into the next stage - the strengthening stage, the throwing stage - he started to have an increase in his pain level and started having pain while throwing."

Newton is still on schedule to be ready for the preseason, and even the summer training camps if everything goes according to plan.

Of course, with shoulder injuries, nothing is certain. For an NFL quarterback, especially one who runs as much as Newton does, making sure your shoulders are healthy is critical to staying on the field.

The Panthers would be wise to play it extra safe with Newton, letting him sit out the early part of training camp if necessary. Without the former No. 1 overall pick in the NFL draft, the Panthers have no hope of rebounding from last year's disappointing record.