Ron Rivera says Cam Newton is not in concussion protocol

Cam Newton took multiple helmet-to-helmet hits Thursday night, but Panthers’ head coach Ron Rivera has tried to dismiss any concern.

The Denver Broncos battered Carolina Panthers’ quarterback Cam Newton on Thursday night, with multiple helmet-to-helmet hits on the reigning league MVP. Only one of those illegal high hits was penalized, but fines are surely coming for a couple Broncos’ players.

Newton appeared noticeably dazed on at least one occasion after a helmet-to-helmet hit Thursday night. But he was not put into the league’s concussion protocol at all, and the NFL released a statement Friday morning backing up why it wasn’t done.

Speaking to the media himself on Friday, Panthers’ head coach Ron Rivera further backed up what was done on the field during the game.

Newton did suffer a reported right leg injury during the game, without missing a snap, but it’s a stretch to think he didn’t suffer a concussion at any point. The severity could be debated, and Newton may have been able to function, but even what could be called “getting your bell rung” fits the bill for a concussion.

The league invites skepticism regarding the true independence of doctors that monitor for concussions, and the final illegal hit Newton took came during Carolina’s potential game-winning drive. No offense to backup Derek Anderson, but Graham Gano’s missed field goal as time expired may not have happened if Newton missed any part of that drive.

Related Story: NFL Hot Seat: 5 coaches who must win Week 1

Newton did not publicly criticize the officiating Thursday night, and he did not embrace the idea the Broncos were targeting him either. But his teammates took up the cause, suggesting he’s not officiated and protected in the same way other quarterbacks are. That sentiment seems fairly obvious after the season opener, and Newton’s on-going durability is a concern.