JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Cam Newton was perfect in his preseason debut.

Seeing live action for the first time since last season’s finale, Newton completed both of his passes for 21 yards and a touchdown in Carolina’s 24-23 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars on Thursday night.

Newton’s 9-yard slant pass to Kelvin Benjamin capped a 10-play opening drive that showed Panthers coach Ron Rivera all he needed to see from his star quarterback. Newton spent the rest of the night watching from the sideline.

The 2015 league MVP had surgery in March to repair a partially torn rotator cuff in his right, throwing shoulder. Newton participated in the first five practices of training camp before developing soreness and backing off for nearly two weeks.

He amped up his workload this week in preparation for the team’s third exhibition, quite possibly the only action he’ll get in the preseason. The Panthers (2-1) wrap up exhibition play next week against Pittsburgh.

The Jaguars (1-2), meanwhile, may continue their quarterback competition into the preseason finale at Atlanta.

Chad Henne got the start over Blake Bortles and had an up-and-down night that would have been much better if not for a drop. Henne completed 8 of 14 passes for 73 yards. 

EAGLES 38,

DOLPHINS 31

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Carson Wentz and Jay Cutler are ready for the regular season. Most of their teammates still need more work.

Wentz tossed touchdown passes to both of his new receivers, Mychal Kendricks returned an interception 31 yards for a score and the Philadelphia Eagles beat the Miami Dolphins 38-31 on Thursday night.

Playing his second game since coming out of retirement to replace injured Dolphins starter Ryan Tannehill, Cutler was 5 of 8 for 105 yards and one TD . His surgically repaired right shoulder looked fine on a 72-yard pass to DeVante Parker.