Newton changes opinion

QB: Concussion is real, serious

Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton changed his stance on how he views concussions now that he has had one.

Newton, who recently downplayed concerns over the long-term effects of repeated blows to the head, said Wednesday he now better understands that “concussions are real.”

Speaking publicly for the first time about the concussion he got Oct. 2 against the Atlanta Falcons, the league’s reigning MVP said he needs to be more careful in the future, calling the hit “preventable.” In the fourth quarter with the Panthers down two scores Newton purposely — and inexplicably — appeared to slow down as he approached the end zone on a 2-point conversion run.

That allowed Falcons linebacker Deion Jones to hit Newton from the side. Newton said he never saw Jones coming. Newton doesn’t remember reaching out the ball to score anyway, saying “that’s when I knew I was messed up.” He left the game and did not return and sat out the following week.

Cowboys

Quarterback Tony Romo participated in throwing drills at practice for the first time since a bone in his back was broken in a preseason game in August at Seattle. While he almost certainly won’t play Sunday against Philadelphia, it’s the biggest step in his latest return from injury.

Jaguars

Owner Shad Khan has kept a fairly low profile around the team. He got more involved than usual after one of the most embarrassing losses in coach Gus Bradley’s four-year tenure. Khan reportedly made a rare appearance in front of the team Monday night, a day after a 3316 loss to Oakland. Khan’s message was “why are we not winning and what can we do to fix it?” The owner’s open forum allowed players and coaches to ask questions and exchange thoughts about what’s gone wrong for a team that was expected to make a significant jump this season.

Jets

New York placed quarterback Geno Smith on injured reserve with a torn knee ligament. Smith injured the ACL in his right knee in the second quarter of the Jets’ 24-16 win Sunday against Baltimore. An MRI on Monday revealed the severity of the injury, and a second examination Tuesday apparently confirmed the torn ACL.

Broncos

Police said two men were arrested on suspicion of breaking into the home of linebacker DeMarcus Ware and stealing his Super Bowl 50 ring. A Denver police spokesperson said Ware’s stolen property was recovered. Ware said on Twitter he was grateful for hidden cameras at his house, and the photos helped identify the suspects.

Also, authorities said a fan has died after falling 60 feet at the Denver’s Sports Authority Field at Mile High Monday after a game against the Houston Texans. Stadium Management Co., which operates the stadium, said the fan, 36, fell over a railing on which he was sitting.