"The Panthers' season is over, so the injury update on quarterback Cam Newton is not necessarily pressing.

But any time a franchise quarterback goes down hard and is scheduled for follow-up tests, the franchise understandably has a high level of concern.

The X-rays on Newton's ribs and left ankle were negative this week, Panthers trainer Ryan Vermillion said. According to Vermillion, an X-ray and MRI exam on Newton's ankle revealed a minor high sprain."