The Carolina Panthers have seen Cam Newton take some big hits over the years, but the one he took on Sunday against the New Orleans Saints was one of the biggest we’ve seen.
Newton escaped pressure, only to turn right back into more. David Onyemata came with some force and drilled the quarterback into the turf legally.
https://twitter.com/360FFB/status/950159332209037312
Newton would get back up and start walking off the field, but before he reached the sideline he fell to the turf and appeared to be out of it.
Backup Derek Anderson came into the game to replace Newton, the Panthers down by the score of 24-19 midway through the fourth quarter.
According to the updated NFL concussion protocol, this should be an automatic trip to the locker room for Newton.
Revised NFL concussion policy: "Require a locker room concussion evaluation for all players demonstrating gross or sustained vertical instability (e.g., stumbling or falling to the ground when trying to stand)."
— Kevin Seifert (@SeifertESPN) January 8, 2018
At this time, Newton has yet to take a trip to the locker room, however, and exited the injury tent, staying on the sideline. He had ice on his right eye.
#Panthers need to make a decision. Follow the concussion protocol or just accept the penalty later…I know no one wants to hear that, but, this moment and chance is fleeting.
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) January 8, 2018
The Panthers say he was evaluated for a concussion, but that evaluation took all of 90 seconds and did not follow the updated protocol whatsoever.
Cam Newton has been evaluated for a concussion and cleared.
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) January 8, 2018
How the Panthers determined Cam had no concussion, despite his signs, w/o taking him to locker room for thorough review, will be probed
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) January 8, 2018