The NFL said it was in contact with the medical staff of the Carolina Panthers about the handling of an injury suffered by quarterback Cam Newton during Sunday's playoff loss to the New Orleans Saints, trying to determine whether the league's concussion protocols were properly followed.
"We are in contact now with the Panthers' medical staff and we will not comment further until those conversations are completed," the NFL said in a written statement issued through a spokesman.
It appears that the review will focus on whether Newton fell on his way to the Panthers' sideline after absorbing a fourth-quarter hit or was told by a member of Carolina's medical staff to drop to his knees.