NFL - NEWS & NOTES

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) ? The NFL said medical officials determined reigning league MVP Cam Newton didn't need to leave Thursday night's game against the Denver Broncos despite taking a helmet-to-helmet hit on Carolina's final series.

Newton remained in the game after the hit from Denver's Darian Stewart and led the Panthers into field goal range, but Graham Gano missed a 50-yard attempt in Denver's 21-20 victory.

The NFL released a statement Friday morning saying there was communication between medical personnel on the Carolina sideline, including the unaffiliated neurotrauma consultant, and the two independent certified athletic trainer spotters in the booth.

The release also stated that during stoppage in action the play was reviewed and medical officials determined "there were no indications of a concussion that would require further evaluation and the removal of the player from the game."

Newton took four helmet-to-helmet hits during the physical Super Bowl rematch, including two in which Stewart and linebacker Brandon Marshall left their feet, appearing to launch themselves at Newton. In both situations, the hits ended with helmet-to-helmet contact.

 

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) ? Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles is listed as doubtful for Sunday's opener against the Chargers.

Charles has been trying to come back from his second ACL surgery, this time to his right knee. He has been participating in practices but did not play in any of the Chiefs' preseason games.

Chiefs coach Andy Reid acknowledged this week it would be "a stretch" for Charles to get on the field against San Diego. Without him, the Chiefs will turn to Charcandrick West, Spencer Ware and Knile Davis.

 

in regards to the Newton hits...in a league where former players are suing for CTE damage, lost benefits and concussion cases, you would think the league would protect it's lead asset in their reigning MVP. The league is so obsessed with Tom Brady and deflategate and not his missing NFL sticker on his helmet but not concussions. Who is running this league the Court Jester?

As for the Chiefs' 3 headed RB monster this weekend...give me Ware all game long !

 

Drafted Ware late in one of my leagues; got him in my line-up...!

 

The Boston Herald says Gronk will play Sunday night in Arizona barring any setbacks. I dont know who to believe.

 

Brandon Marshall dumped by sponsor

Air Academy Federal Credit Union (AAFCU) has dropped Marshall after his decision to kneel during the national anthem.

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/b...nsor-after-protesting-during-national-anthem/

 

Rob Gronkowski will not play against Cardinals

Tom Brady will not be the only key contributor out for the New England Patriots' season opener versus the Arizona Cardinals.

The Patriots announced Friday that tight end Rob Gronkowski will not play Sunday night, along with offensive linemen Jonathan Cooper and Nate Solder.

Gronk was limited in practice all week after injuring his hamstring a fortnight ago.


The news is a huge blow to quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, starting his first career game in place of the suspended Brady.

Gronk is the NFL's most dynamic target when healthy. The tight end's combination of size and speed makes him a mismatch against linebackers, safeties and corners. (NFL.com)

 

Shaun Hill expected to start for Vikings

Sam Bradford was worth a first-round pick to keep the hope alive in Minnesota. That hope just won't be in the starting lineup until Week 2.

Vikings players were informed quarterback Shaun Hill is expected to start this week, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported, per sources.


Hill last saw meaningful action in 2014 for the then St. Louis Rams, coincidentally in place of Bradford, who suffered a torn ACL during that year's preseason. Hill's most notable season came in 2010, when he came off the bench to complete 61.8 percent of his passes for 2,686 yards and a 16-12 touchdown-to-interception ratio.

The 36-year-old's stint might only last one week, as the Minnesota staff has been scrambling to get Bradford acclimated with the offensive system as much as possible in his first week as a Viking. Tennessee, meanwhile, has been readying to face for either Bradford or Hill. Titans head coach Mike Mularkey told reporters Wednesday the difference between the two wasn't significant enough to cause concern about their own preparation.

"Really, both of the quarterbacks have had good preseasons," Mularkey said, via ESPN. "But I would anticipate that (Bradford would start), and if he doesn't, it's not going to change the way we prepare." (NFL.com)

 

The Dolphins told Jay Ajayi he will not suit up against the Seahawks. Seems he would rather have a hissy fit about losing his starting job.

 

Jay is getting killed by the local media. The rumor is he flipped out about Foster starting. I really hope Foster stays healthy.

 

Doug Baldwin says the Seahawks will stand and interlock arms during national anthem Sunday

Thats a bit better, in my opinion. Shouldnt bother anybody.

 

FM for buying into all those magazines saying he would get plenty of carries even as a committee rb.

 

The NFL will initiate a review of the medical team's response to the Cam Newton tackle, under the procedure set forth by the CBA.

 

Chargers Wide Out Keenan Allen out with a knee injury.

 

Finals so far...

TB 31, ATL 24
BAL 13, BUF 7
HOU 24, CHI 13
GB 27, JAX 23
CIN 23, NYJ 22
PHI 29, CLE 10
MIN 25, TEN 16

 

Early reports - ACL tear, done for the year.

 

Thats a shame. Injuries are plentiful so far this season.