Cam Newton keeps playing after three hits to head during Panthers-Broncos game

Carolina quarterback Cam Newton took three hits to the head from Denver Broncos defenders Thursday night, including one from safety Darian Stewart with 36 seconds left.

Those watching on TV must have been thinking there was no way Newton could continue to play after a helmet-to-helmet hit like that last one.

Well, actually, not everyone watching the game on TV thought that. The NFL said in a statement Friday that its experts at the game reviewed a video of the play and then decided to let Newton stay in the game.

“There was communication between medical personnel on the Carolina sideline, including the unaffiliated neurotrauma consultant, and the two independent certified athletic trainer spotters in the booth,” the league stated.

“During stoppage in play while on-field officials were in the process of administrating penalties, the unaffiliated neurotrauma 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.”

Seems kind of odd those guys could determine “there were no indications of a concussion” simply by watching a replay. Especially a replay of that brutal hit to the head.

Newton said later that he was asked some questions after the 21-20 Broncos victory before the determination was made that he didn’t need to be placed in concussion protocol.

Stewart was flagged for roughing the passer, but that penalty was offset by an intentional grounding call on Newton. It was the only one of the three helmet-to-helmet hits on the reigning league MVP that drew a flag.

“It’s not my job to question the officials,” Newton said after the game. “I really like this officiating crew, so it wasn’t something I know they did intentionally, but it’s not fun getting hit in the head.”