Cam Newton has not practiced this week due to a concussion he suffered in Week 4, and it sounds like the Carolina Panthers quarterback will not be cleared to play by Monday night.
Joe Person of the Charlotte Observer reports that Newton is not expected to suit up against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Starting left tackle Michael Oher, who is also in the league’s concussion protocol, may also miss the game and running back Jonathan Stewart is not yet expected to return.
While there is optimism that star linebacker Thomas Davis and defensive end Charles Johnson could play despite missing practice time, it has become clear that the Panthers will be understaffed.
Newton has taken numerous hits to the head through the first month of the season, many of which were the cause of much controversy. Regardless of how he says he feels, the reigning NFL MVP must clear concussion protocol in order to get back on the field. The fact that he has not done that yet is not a good sign for Carolina.
