Panthers quarterback Cam Newton will miss Monday night’s game with a concussion. It’s unclear how much longer he will be out.
He’s nevertheless getting close. Per a source with knowledge of the situation, Newton is progressing through the concussion protocol.
Newton had issues with light sensitivity, but they have subsided. He has been able to get through meetings in recent days.
Ultimately, Newton requires clearance from team doctors and the separate blessing of the independent neurologist before he can be cleared to practice and, eventually, play. It’s the same independent neurologist as the Panthers had a year ago, when linebacker Luke Kuechly missed more than a month after a Week One concussion.
Newton is farther along than Kuechly was a year ago after only one week. It remains to be seen whether Newton will be cleared to play by next weekend, when the Panthers face the Saints in New Orleans.