The Panthers estimated Newton (shoulder) as a limited participant for Thursday's practice, Steve Reed of the Associated Press reports.

Due to rainy weather in the area, Carolina opted for a walk-through session rather than a true practice for their second session of the week. As a result, Newton didn't receive his planned allotment of reps, though coach Ron Rivera suggested that the health of the quarterback's right shoulder isn't a real concern heading into Sunday's matchup with Detroit. Per Jourdan Rodrigue of The Charlotte Observer, Rivera said Newton would have thrown Thursday if the team practiced, so expect the signal-caller to simply push that activity back a day and avoid an injury designation this weekend.

Smith (knee) was listed as a non-participant Thursday on the Panthers' estimated practice report, Steve Reed of the Associated Press reports.

Inclement weather prevented the Panthers from holding a true practice session as planned, as the team instead opted for a brief walk-through session. Smith's inability to complete that activity doesn't offer much encouragement about the health of his right knee, which seems likely to keep him sidelined again Sunday against the Lions. A final word on Smith's status for the weekend will come after the Panthers release their injury report following Friday's session.

Offensive coordinator Norv Turner said Thursday that he assumes Cadet will be inactive for Sunday's game against Detroit, Bryan Strickland of the Panthers' official site reports.

Cadet signed a one-year contract with the Panthers on Monday after the team decided to waive fellow running back C.J. Anderson. As evidenced by this news, Cadet might need some time to learn the playbook before he suits up in game action. If Cadet doesn't suit up Sunday, Cameron Artis-Payne will be in line for the reserve role behind bell-cow back Christian McCaffrey.

The Panthers claimed Barner off waivers Wednesday, Joe Person of The Athletic reports.

After being cut loose by the Patriots earlier this week, Barner will return to the team that drafted him in the sixth round back in 2013. Carolina recently waived C.J. Anderson, so Barner will provide the team with added backfield depth behind workhorse Christian McCaffrey. Barner's impact on offense will likely be limited, but he could be a candidate for return duties.

Smith (knee) was listed as a non-participant in Wednesday's practice, but was able to get in some work on the side with the Panthers' training staff, Jourdan Rodrigue of The Charlotte Observer reports.

Smith has resumed running and said Tuesday he feels much better, but he still seems to be in danger of missing a fourth consecutive game. D.J. Moore would be primed for another start if Smith can't play Sunday in Detroit.