Cam Newton injured in car crash
— -- CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton has two fractures in his lower back following a two-car accident Tuesday afternoon near the team's stadium.
"Further testing revealed that Cam Newton has two transverse process fractures in his lower back and no further internal injuries," the Panthers said in a statement Tuesday afternoon.
The injury suffered to Newton is the same back injury that Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo suffered earlier this season. Romo missed one game this season for the injury, however no timetable was given for how long Newton will be out, if at all.
Newton's car accident took place around 12:30 p.m. ET, according to Charlotte police. Both Newton and the driver of the other vehicle were taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
The Panthers earlier said Newton will be held overnight for observation but that the franchise quarterback was "in fair condition and undergoing tests at Carolinas Medical Center."
Team owner Jerry Richardson earlier told the Charlotte Observer that Newton is "in good shape," after speaking with Carolinas Medical Center doctors.
Newton, 25, was conscious when he was transported to the hospital, a source told ESPN's Ed Werder.
A witness told the Charlotte Observer that Newton was "alert" but "in pain" at the scene of the accident.
Support from around the league came pouring in via social media.
In his fourth season, the former No. 1 overall pick has thrown for 2,812 yards, run for 425 yards and accounted for 19 total touchdowns this season (16 passing, 3 rushing) to go along with 11 interceptions for a Panthers team that remains in the hunt for the NFC South division title despite a 4-8-1 record.
If Newton is ruled unable to play, veteran Derek Anderson would be expected to take over as Carolina's starting quarterback. The Panthers host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.
