QB Newton Has Fractures to Back After Car Crash

Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton suffered fractures to his lower back in a two-car crash today and will spend the night in the hospital. Newton was in fair condition, had no other internal injuries, and would not need surgery, says team spokesman Charlie Dayton. It was unclear whether Newton would be able to practice or play Sunday against the Buccaneers. Photos from the Charlotte Observer showed the 25-year-old smiling as an officer attended to him on the ground. The driver of the second vehicle also was hospitalized with unspecified injuries. Newton has two transverse process fractures in his lower back, which is the same description of an injury that Dallas quarterback Tony Romo has, and Romo has been playing through it.

Newton's black pickup truck was overturned on the roadway with its roof caved in and debris scattered all over the street. Another car that appeared to be involved in the crash had front end damage. Police were investigating how the crash happened on a bridge that crosses busy I-277 in the shadow of Bank of America Stadium, where the Panthers play. Dayton says he believes Newton was on his way to the stadium but wasn't certain. As word of the accident spread online, NFL players started sending good wishes on social media. "Praying for @CameronNewton," Oakland Raiders defensive end Justin Tuck tweeted. (More Cam Newton stories.)