Newton, Stewart Star in Panthers’ Win Over Chiefs

Cam Newton made a successful return following ankle surgery, Jonathan Stewart ran for two touchdowns and the Carolina Panthers beat the Kansas City Chiefs 28-16 on Sunday night.

Newton completed 4 of 9 passes for 65 yards and led a pair of touchdown drives in the preseason game before exiting late in the second quarter with Carolina up 14-6.

Stewart ran for 26 yards on four carries and made a strong case to be the Panthers' goal-line back - if not their primary ball carrier - with scoring runs of 3 and 2 yards.

Carolina managed just a yard in on its first three possessions before Stewart provided a spark with a 17-yard run. The Panthers scored touchdowns on their next two possessions.

Alex Smith was 14 of 22 for 127 yards for Kansas City. Rookie Aaron Murray's first NFL pass resulted in a 43-yard touchdown strike, but he also had an interception.