Carolina Panthers

Cam Newton returns to practice after missing Week 5 with concussion

Published Nov. 15, 2016 1:58 p.m. ET

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Andrew Lynch

The Carolina Panthers are 1-4 and on the verge of joining the list of Super Bowl runners-up that missed the playoffs the very next season. And to add injury to that insult, starting QB Cam Newton is dealing with the effects of a concussion he suffered in Week 4.

Newton sat out Carolina's depressing Week 5 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, as backup Derek Anderson completed 18 of his 28 attempts for 278 yards and two INTs. But on Wednesday, the Panthers got some encouraging news: Newton's back at practice.

Although Newton is back at practice for Carolina, he remains in the NFL's concussion protocol and has not been cleared for Sunday's game against the New Orleans Saints. According to ESPN.com, though, New Orleans is preparing to face Newton anyway:

"That's clearly the only way to approach it,'' [Saints coach Sean Payton] said. "Yet we understand the strengths and weaknesses of Derek [Anderson] and the other players that may or may not play on their team."

Newton originally suffered the concussion against the Atlanta Falcons on a legal hit by LB Deion Jones, whom Newton taunted earlier in the game. The Panthers QB drew a fine for his actions.

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