Davante Adams: Green Bay Packers WR takes ugly hit, has third concussion in 14 months

Dec. 18 (UPI) -- For the second time this season, Davante Adams left a game early after taking a brutal hit to the head and suffering a concussion.

The Green Bay Packers wide receiver received the gruesome blow in the third quarter of Sunday's 31-24 loss to the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte.

Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers stepped back and threw an interception in the quarter as Panthers safety Colin Jones picked the pass off and was returning it toward the end zone. Jones' teammates looked to pick up potential tacklers on the run back.

Davis found a pursuing Adams, who was not looking at him. The veteran linebacker hit Adams on a cutback block, simultaneously hitting Adams in the helmet with his own helmet and shoulder. Adams suffered a concussion and was ruled out for the remainder of the contest.

After making the hit, Davis looked remorseful. He was also caught kneeling in prayer when cameras panned the Panthers' sideline.

"I think it was an unnecessary hit. Unfortunately, if I throw a better ball, it doesn't happen." "He's a repeat offender, so I'm sure the league will deal with him, according to that," Rodgers said of Davis in his postgame comments.

The NFL is reviewing the hit and could announced a fine or suspension this week. Davis was fined earlier this season for an illegal hit against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Adams could also get a fine for his actions in Sunday's loss. He was caught by cameras when he was walking off of the field and seen flipping off the crowd.

Rodgers threw three interceptions in the contest. It was the first time he has thrown three interceptions in a single game since 2009.

Adams was also on the receiving end of an ugly helmet-to-helmet hit in September when the Packers faced the Chicago Bears. Adams was taken to the hospital after the play. The hit occurred on Thursday Night Football and he returned to play the following Sunday. Bears linebacker Danny Trevathan earned an unnecessary roughness penalty on the play, but was not ejected. Trevathan was initially suspended for two games, but had the ban reduced to one game, upon appeal.

Adams had five catches for 57 yards and a score on Sunday. The fourth-year wide receiver was on track for career-highs this season in receptions, yards and touchdowns. Adams has 74 catches for 885 yards and 10 scores on the season for the Packers.

The Packers wide receiver also suffered a concussion in October of 2016, making that three known concussions in the last 14 months.