Cam Newton injury: Treated for possible concussion

Cam Newton is being evaluated for a concussion after taking a big hit against the Falcons.

As the clock winds down on what appears to be a disappointing loss for the Carolina Panthers against the Atlanta Falcons, Carolina quarterback Cam Newton has left the game and is being evaluated for a concussion. Newton suffered a big hit while showboating as he raced toward the goal line on a two-point conversion.

Here is video of the play on which Newton was injured. It appeared he was prepared to cross the line with ease before letting up and taking a helmet-to-helmet shot.

With the outcome of the game hardly in question, it made little sense for the Panthers to go for two. The conversion would have made the score 34-20 with less than ten minutes to play in the game. Newton likely would have finished the try had he not slowed up. This is the type of hit a franchise quarterback like Newton has to be smart enough to avoid.

Prior to leaving the game, Newton had completed 14-of-20 passes for only 165 yards. He had also chipped in 30 yards on the ground, while tossing a touchdown pass to Kelvin Benjamin.

The Panthers are off to a slow start following last year’s trip to the Super Bowl. They are currently 1-2 and staring down a 1-3 start. The poor play of the offensive line has been a major factor in their struggles. While Newton was injured on a running play, he has constantly been under pressure when dropping back to pass so far this season. Last year’s MVP, Newton, had already thrown five interceptions in the season’s first three games.

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If Newton is unable to play next week, the Panthers will turn to backup Derek Anderson who has already thrown a touchdown while attempting to bring the Panthers back from  a three-score deficit.