NFL: Cam Newton showed no signs of concussion after head hits

The NFL has an explanation for why Cam Newton remained in the game late in Thursday's season opener between the Carolina Panthers and Denver Broncos.

The Panthers quarterback and reigning league MVP took several blows to the head in last night's game, including a helmet-to-helmet hit that drew a penalty in the waning moments of the game. Newton remained in the game and did not undergo concussion protocol testing.

The league explained why in a statement released to media.

There was communication between medical personnel on the Carolina sideline, including the unaffiliated neurotrama consultant, and the two independent certified athletic trainer spotters in the booth. During stoppage in play while on-field officials were in the process of administrating penalties, the unaffiliated neurotrama consultant and team physician requested video from the spotters and reviewed the play. They concluded there were no indications of a concussion that would require further evaluation and the removal of the player from the game.

Newton downplayed the officiating after last night's game, but his teammates didn't.