As the league investigates whether concussion protocol was properly followed with Panthers quarterback Cam Newton last Sunday in New Orleans, the NFL now has an unexpected factor to consider.
In addition to getting poked in the eye as the team said he was, Newton also injured his knee during the Panthers' 31-26 wild-card loss to the Saints. The NFL learned about the injury while interviewing Panthers officials over the phone this week.
A league source told ESPN that the bothersome knee injury was a contributing factor as to why Newton staggered to the ground and struggled to stay balanced once he took a knee after a hard hit to the head from the Saints defensive tackle David Onyemata.