When the American flag is unfurled before the Carolina Panthers’ home opener against San Francisco on Sunday, all eyes will be on 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who is expected to continue his protest of racial inequality and police brutality by kneeling during the national anthem.
Once the game starts, attention will quickly shift to another quarterback and a different type of flag.
Ten days after taking four helmet-to-helmet hits in the second half of a loss at Denver, Panthers quarterback Cam Newton returns to action at Bank of America Stadium.
Despite exhibiting at least one sign of a possible concussion, Newton was allowed to stay in for the Panthers’ last series in the final minute of the 21-20 loss.