Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton may still play against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday, despite remaining on the concussion protocol.
Panthers coach Ron Rivera said Friday that Newton had a good day in the protocol and will find out about developments on Saturday, according to NFL.com.
The concussion was caused by a fourth quarter hit to the head by Atlanta Falcons linebacker Deion Jones during Newton's two-point conversion attempt in their match up last Monday. The hit seemed legal to officials and no penalty was slapped against Jones, the NY Times observed. The Falcons went on to win, 48-33.
Consequently, the injury kept Newton from practicing all week. To make matters worse, Newton was fined $9,115 for flipping a football in the face of Jones, which he was penalized for during the game, according to NBC Sports.
Newton, the NFL's most valuable player last season, has been the target of four hits on the head in the first game of the season against the Denver Broncos. While only one of those hits was called a penalty, the NFL later fined two Broncos defenders, Darian Stewart and Brandon Marshall, for the hits. Newton did not criticize the officials.
The NFL also commented the day after the game that more penalties were warranted. The hits against Newton also ignited discussions about whether the NFL was doing enough to minimize head injuries. Aside from changing numerous rules and setting up fines and penalties against head hits, the league also mandated that doctors be available on the sideline and in the press box in order to effectively spot players who may have suffered concussions.
Derek Anderson, who replaced Newton last Monday, will step in if the Panthers starting quarterback remains unavailable on Monday. He filled in for Newton twice in 2014 against the Buccaneers, both resulting in wins.
