Cam Newton Suffers Eye Injury vs. Patriots, Clears Concussion Protocol

Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton gave his team an injury scare during Friday's preseason game against the New England Patriots, which the Panthers won 25-14.

Per ESPN.com's David Newton, the Panthers star had a black eye after landing on his helmet during a scrambling play in the first quarter.

Newton was also evaluated for a concussion before returning to the game after clearing protocol.

After the game, Newton spoke about his decision to scramble in the preseason:

"Most importantly, I was thinking to myself, 'It's preseason. It's preseason. What do I do?' And I'm like, 'I want to get a first down, but I want to bring this plane down as smoothly as possible.' I'm thinking all that; my man went low, and I tried to avoid the hit and just helicoptered out of there or whatever, and the helmet came down on my eye.

"I only know how to play this game one way. A lot of times it becomes my curse. In more ways it's my gift."

Despite appearing in all 16 games last season, Newton was banged up at times. There was some controversy over how the Panthers handled a potential concussion during the NFC Wild Card Game against the New Orleans Saints.

Also during that playoff game, Newton suffered ligament and cartilage damage to his right knee. And he missed most of the preseason last year after having surgery on his right shoulder.

The three-time Pro Bowler's performance in 2017 dropped off. His 3,302 passing yards were the second-fewest of his career, and his 59.1 completion percentage ranked 28th.