Cam Newton set for Carolina Panthers return after concussion
Sunday 16 October 2016 01:06, UK
Quarterback Cam Newton has been cleared to return to the Carolina Panthers line-up against New Orleans on Sunday.
The league's reigning Most Valuable Player missed the defeat by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last week after taking a hard hit to the head during the Panthers' week four loss against the Atlanta Falcons.
In his absence, the Panthers dropped to 1-4 and defeat on Sunday would leave the team needing a quick turnaround to make the play-offs the season after getting all the way to Super Bowl 50.
Newton needed to pass the NFL's concussion protocol to feature in Sunday's clash with the Saints and the Panthers confirmed he had done so on Saturday - he remains questionable on the official injury list but is expected to play "barring a setback".
Derek Anderson started in Newton's absence but he proved ineffective as the Panthers fell to a 17-14 defeat in Florida.
Running back Jonathan Stewart also travelled with the team to Louisiana - he has missed their last three games after suffering a hamstring injury in week two against the San Francisco 49ers.
Wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin (knee) and defensive end Charles Johnson (quad) are also listed as questionable.
