Carolina Panthers quarterback and reigning NFL MVP Cam Newton has been diagnosed with a concussion and will not be available to the media following Carolina’s 48-33 loss to the Atlanta Falcons today.

Derek Anderson replaced Newton in the game after Newton took a helmet-to-helmet hit from Falcons rookie linebacker Deion Jones. Panthers head coach Ron Rivera told reporters after the game that he didn’t have an update on Newton’s status at the time.

Newton took a lot more shots today due to shifting on the Panthers offensive line. Michael Oher was out with a concussion of his own. Donald Hawkins was listed as the Panthers starter today on the line in-place of Oher, but as noted above, there was some shifting on the line.

Carolina will have a longer preparation week this upcoming week as they won’t play until Monday night versus the Buccaneers. They will then play the Saints in New Orleans six days after their contest with the bye week coming up following the Saints game before they take on the Cardinals in Carolina.

If Newton misses the Monday night game, it may be wise for the Panthers to hold him out versus the Saints to give him three weeks off. Newton completed 14 passes on 25 attempts for 165 yards and one touchdown.

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