Cam Newton has a concussion and Carson Palmer is being evaluated for one with the next game coming up quickly.

Those are just the latest problems for the Carolina Panthers and Arizona Cardinals, both with 1-3 records after playing in the NFC championship game last season.

It seemed possible — even likely — they would meet again for a Super Bowl berth that Carolina claimed a season ago. Until the Panthers actually played without cornerback Josh Norman and Newton started getting knocked around. Or until the Cardinals opened the season with a home loss to the Tom Brady-less New England Patriots.

Now both star quarterbacks are dealing with head injuries.

The Panthers confirmed Newton’s concussion after a helmet-to-helmet hit at the goal line on his successful 2-point conversion run in a 48-33 loss to Atlanta on Sunday. The Cardinals would only say Palmer was in concussion protocol, but coach Bruce Arians said he doubts the 36-year-old will play Thursday night at San Francisco.

Arizona lost to Los Angeles 17-13, and the surprising Rams are tied with Seattle for the NFC West lead. The Cardinals are at the bottom with San Francisco, and Carolina is in a three-way tie for last with New Orleans and Tampa Bay in the NFC South. The Buccaneers visit the Panthers next Monday night.

The Panthers pulled a franchise tag contract offer from Norman, immediately making him a free agent. He signed with Washington, and two other veteran defensive backs didn’t return in Charles Tillman and Roman Harper.,