Cam Newton injury: Helped off after big hit

Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton had to be assisted off the field after being sacked for the sixth time on Sunday against the Buffalo Bills.

The Panthers have to be holding their collective breath right now, along with scores of fantasy owners and every one of the team’s fans. All-Pro quarterback and former MVP Cam Newton had to be helped into the medical tent during Sunday’s game against the Buffalo Bills after Newton took his sixth sack of the game.

Newton has been one of the more durable players in the league, so this comes as a bit of a surprise. Still, the Panthers have not done much to help out his offensive line, which was a mess both injured and healthy last year.

Without Newton, the Panthers would be looking at going forward with Derek Anderson. Anderson, who made the Pro Bowl many moons ago as a Cleveland Brown, is one of the better backups in the league. Still, being without a threat and talent the caliber of Newton would take Carolina out of the NFC South race if it’s anything serious.

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The Panthers are trying to get to 2-0 after winning Week 1 against the San Francisco 49ers, 23-3. Newton has been working all spring and summer to come back from offseason shoulder surgery. Hopefully that part of the body holds up for Newton, something that was certainly a concern going into the season.

Carolina is also playing the rest of Sunday without tight end Greg Olsen, who is standing on the sideline with a boot on his foot and crutches. Olsen has been ruled out with a foot injury, another problem of great concern.