Observations: Panthers linebacker A.J. Klein shows off coverage skills

Observations from Wednesday’s Carolina Panthers training camp practice in Spartanburg:

▪  Outside linebacker A.J. Klein is best known as a run-stopper, but he’s shown off his coverage skills a couple of times in camp. Klein intercepted a tipped pass during team drills Wednesday, a couple of days after separating Ed Dickson from the ball with a big hit on the No. 2 tight end.

▪  It was not Cam Newton’s sharpest day throwing the football. Early in team drills, cornerback Bené Benwikere knocked down a Newton pass near the line of scrimmage. Newton then airmailed receivers on his next two passes.

▪  Newton has not been the wearing the flak jacket that became part of his practice and game attire last year after he cracked his ribs during the third exhibition. Panthers coach Ron Rivera said he expects Newton to wear the protective vest during games, beginning Friday at Buffalo.

▪  Funniest line of the day came from left tackle Michael Oher, directed at former Panthers left tackle Jordan Gross, who’s now the team’s sideline reporter. As Oher approached the slimmed-down Gross after practice, he asked: “Do you play for the Hornets?”

▪  Rivera said wide receiver Stephen Hill had successful knee surgery last week, after the former Jets’ second-round pick tore ligaments during the second practice at Wofford.

▪  Former Patriots defensive tackle Kyle Love should get plenty of work Friday with Star Lotulelei (foot) out and Kawann Short (back) questionable. Love moves pretty well for a guy who’s 6-1 and 315 pounds.

▪  The Panthers are off Thursday before traveling to Buffalo later in the day. Their next practice in Spartanburg will be at 3:10 p.m. Monday. They have four sessions remaining at Wofford, including two joint practices with the Dolphins to close camp.

This story was originally published August 13, 2015 at 2:53 PM with the headline "Observations: Panthers linebacker A.J. Klein shows off coverage skills."