Thursday NFL buzz: Packers RB in concussion protocol after car crash

Check back here throughout the day for all the latest quick-hit news from around the NFL:
Packers RB in concussion protocol after car crash
GREEN BAY - Running back James Starks is in the concussion protocol because of a car crash he was in Monday, Green Bay Packers coach Mike McCarthy said.
Other than saying Starks was "OK" otherwise, McCarthy did not provide any details.
Starks played seven snaps against the Seattle Seahawks Sunday, and when he showed up on the injury report Wednesday with a concussion, it was assumed he suffered it during the game.
Under the NFL's concussion protocol, Starks can't play in a game until he goes through several recovery stages and lastly is cleared by an independent neurologist.
Assuming Starks doesn't play Sunday against Chicago, Ty Montgomery and Christine Michael will have to split most of the carries.
- Tom Silverstein, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Newton had MRI on shoulder
Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton had an MRI Tuesday on his throwing shoulder, but it came back clean, coach Ron Rivera said.
Newton did not throw at practice Thursday or Wednesday.
"We're just going to bring him along," Rivera said, according to the Charlotte Observer. "We're not going to overwork him."
PHOTOS: Week 15 games ranked by watchability