CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Atlanta Falcons defensive end Charles Harris was ejected in the third quarter of Thursday night's 25-17 win over the Carolina Panthers after a vicious hit that briefly sidelined quarterback Teddy Bridgewater.

Bridgewater was scrambling on the third-and-7 play when he was tripped and went down for a 2-yard loss. Harris came in after Bridgewater was down and delivered a blow to the helmet.

Bridgewater went to the sideline tent to be checked for a possible concussion. He came out a few minutes later and began throwing on the sideline.

Bridgewater returned in the fourth quarter after clearing concussion protocol.

Bridgewater wouldn't call Harris' hit a cheap shot, but running back Mike Davis didn't hesitate to.

"Yeah, I thought it was a cheap shot,'' Davis said. "It was late, hit him on the neck. You hate to see that.''

Former XFL star P.J. Walker took over at quarterback for three plays, and the Panthers settled for a 39-yard field goal to pull within 19-17.