Cam Newton Injury: Updates on NFL, NFLPA's Investigation

Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton took a slew of big hits against the Denver Broncos during his team's 21-20 loss on Sept. 8. He was reportedly examined for a potential head injury after the game, which the NFL and NFL Players Association are reviewing.

Continue for updates.

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Latest on NFL, NFLPA's Investigation

Sunday, Oct. 16

Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, citing "a source with knowledge of the situation," reported a decision in the investigation is "coming soon" and could be made "as soon as Monday." 

Florio reported what is expected when an announcement does come down:

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It's believed that there will be no finding of a violation of the protocol. But the outcome will likely entail further changes to the process for determining whether an evaluation is required, with the goal of ironing out some lingering loopholes and exceptions that may have contributed to Newton not receiving a concussion evaluation.

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"The investigations being conducted by the NFL and NFLPA into whether the concussion protocol was applied correctly to [Newton] in Week 1 are ongoing, according to league and union sources, and the sides have not set any date to coordinate sharing their findings," CBSSports.com's Jason La Canfora reported on Sunday. 

Florio wrote on Sept. 25 that the league's report on the investigation was expected soon. NFLPA Executive Director DeMaurice Smith noted the union's look into whether the Panthers followed protocol was in its beginning or middle stages as well, per Florio. 

On Sept. 18, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported that the "NFL and NFLPA have done key interviews with Panthers people, medical people and unaffiliated personnel." Rapoport added that the "investigation has included reviewing video evidence, but hasn’t included a [Newton] interview yet. Could be wrapped up this week."

The NFLPA announced on Sept. 11 it "will initiate a compliance investigation into the Newton incident from [the Sept. 8 game]."

The NFL's Brian McCarthy tweeted the NFL's statement:

Rapoport reported at the time that the "NFL's [Newton] review does not mean there is evidence of improper actions. NFL says it [reflects] obligation to ensure health of players."

The MMQB's Albert Breer reported on Sept. 11 that "the union's issue with the NFL was the league's [Sept. 9] statement pre-empted the new collective protocol for handling these cases."

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Newton Comments on Recovery

Wednesday, Sept. 14

Newton said he feels "unbelievable" physically, per Joe Person of the Charlotte Observer.

Newton told reporters:

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I worry about winning. That’s it. Winning. Winning football games. That’s why I’m here. I’m not here to worry about retirement plans. I’m not here to worry about pensions. I’m not here to worry about worker’s comp. I’m here to win football games, simple and plain. And this is a contact sport, this is a physical sport, and I play the games for the right reasons, for whatever coach asks me to do I’m going to do it. I’m here to win football games.

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Newton Reportedly Passed Series of Tests

Sunday, Sept. 11

Per ESPN.com, "Medical officials went on the field [Sept. 8] to check Newton after a helmet-to-helmet hit and determined he showed no signs of a concussion," adding:

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The medical officials looked at the hit, which left the quarterback facedown on the turf and looking shaken, on video, then went to Newton. According to [an] NFL Network report, the game was stopped for 2:22, and while the offsetting penalties were sorted out, it was determined that Newton showed no signs of a concussion.

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Person reported on Sept. 9 that Newton passed concussion tests in the locker room after the game, on the bus on the way to the airport, on the team plane and in Charlotte Douglas International Airport.

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Newton's Father Comments on QB's Injury

Friday, Sept. 9

Newton's father said he was "grossly disturbed" by what he saw during the Panthers' game against the Broncos, per Jim Trotter of ESPN.com.

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Newton Not in Concussion Protocol

Friday, Sept. 9

Newton, the reigning NFL MVP, told reporters the medical staff "asked me a couple questions, but that was it," per WRAL's Mandy Mitchell.

Sporting News' Alex Marvez noted that if Newton had been in the concussion protocol, he wouldn't have been allowed to speak with the media.

The NFL released a statement on Sept. 9 saying there were "no indications" Newton needed to be evaluated for a concussion during the game, per ESPN.com's Dan Graziano:

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There was communication between medical personnel on the Carolina sideline, including the unaffiliated neurotrauma consultant, and the two independent certified athletic trainer spotters in the booth. During stoppage in play while on-field officials were in the process of administrating penalties, the unaffiliated neurotrauma consultant and team physician requested video from the spotters and reviewed the play. They concluded there were no indications of a concussion that would require further evaluation and the removal of the player from the game.

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Newton completed 18 of 33 passes for 194 yards and one touchdown with one interception while rushing 11 times for 54 yards and a score against Denver. Panthers kicker Graham Gano missed a potential game-winning 50-yard field goal with four seconds remaining in regulation.

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Newton Crucial to Carolina's Playoff Hopes

While it appears the opener's injury scare was just that, it's hard to imagine the Panthers having much success without Newton. While Derek Anderson is a capable backup, he doesn't possess the unique skill set Newton brings to the table.

No other player—with apologies to Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers, Russell Wilson and Carson Palmer—has been more vital to his team's success than Newton has been for Carolina in recent years.