Cam Newton returns vs. Saints after clearing concussion evaluation

Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton returned to Sunday's playoff game against the New Orleans Saints after being removed briefly in the fourth quarter.

Newton left the game after taking a hard hit while being sacked by the Saints' David Onyemata.

He was replaced by backup Derek Anderson for a third-down play and was taken to the medical tent to be evaluated. The Panthers announced soon after that their franchise quarterback was cleared of a concussion.