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National Football League roundup

[September 10, 2016] Sept 9 (The Sports Xchange) - Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton is the reigning MVP of the NFL, but coach Ron Rivera says he isn't being treated like someone of that stature.

The 6-foot-5, 245-pound Newton was the recipient of four head-to-head blows during Thursday's 21-20 loss to the Denver Broncos and Rivera was displeased that only one penalty was called.

"I think there is a little bit of prejudice to that," Rivera said of the lack of penalties."

Rivera said it was time for Newton to receive "veteran favoritism" from NFL officials. He said he will be sending a video of the hits to the league.

"Some of them you would like to see them throw the flags," Rivera said. "Some of them were hits that most certainly should have drawn flags."

Since the game concluded, Newton has been tested four times to see if he has a concussion. He passed each test and is expected to be at practice Wednesday when the Panthers begin on-field preparations for the game against the San Francisco 49ers on Sept. 18.

The NFL released a statement on Friday saying medical officials determined that Newton didn't need to leave the game.

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Buffalo Bills offensive tackle Seantrel Henderson has been suspended without pay for the first four games of the 2016 season for violating the NFL's substance-abuse policy.

The league officially notified the Bills and Henderson on Friday. There were reports this week that Henderson would appeal the suspension, but he will begin serving his ban immediately.

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The Buffalo Bills signed kicker Jordan Gay from their practice squad to the 53-man roster.

Gay, who has served as the team's kickoff specialist for much of the past two seasons, was among Buffalo's final cuts before he was signed to the practice squad earlier this week.

The Bills had an open roster spot following the four-game suspension of Henderson.

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The NFL will commemorate the 15th anniversary of September 11, 2001, during Sunday's games, including fans being able to watch stadium video messages from President Barack Obama and former President George W. Bush.

The NFL will feature special 9/11 tributes to honor those who lost their lives and share an inspirational message of hope, unity and community service and engagement, the league announced.

In Philadelphia for the 1 p.m. ET Cleveland Browns versus Eagles game, Vice President Joe Biden will join 120 first responders in holding the American flag during the anthem.

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President Bush will be in Dallas for the New York Giants versus Cowboys 4:25 p.m. ET game and will toss the coin accompanied on the field by wife Laura Bush and two New York Police Department officers who responded to the attacks at Ground Zero 15 years ago.

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Kansas City running back Jamaal Charles will likely miss the Chiefs' season-opening game against the San Diego Chargers on Sunday, coach Andy Reid said.

Charles will be listed as doubtful on Kansas City's injury report.

Charles has been recovering from the major knee injury he suffered last October. He returned to practice in mid-August but isn't considered fully healthy.

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Chicago Bears wide receiver Kevin White and right guard Kyle Long are questionable for Sunday's regular-season opener at Houston.

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Minnesota Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater had a successful knee surgery on Thursday, the team announced.

Bridgewater underwent the operation to repair the ACL in the left knee that he also dislocated on Aug. 30 during practice. He will be sidelined all of this season and his availability for the 2017 campaign will be determined at a later time.

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The Vikings signed veteran center Joe Berger to a one-year contract extension.

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The Detroit Lions agreed to contract extensions with running back Theo Riddick and punter Sam Martin.

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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers placed wide receiver Evan Spencer on the reserve/retired list.

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Former NFL coach Sam Wyche is awaiting a heart transplant in a Charlotte, N.C., hospital. (Editing by Andrew Both)

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