Cam Newton Suffers Back Fractures In Crash

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) -- The Panthers say quarterback Cam Newton suffered fractures in his lower back in a car crash in Charlotte.

Panthers spokesman Charlie Dayton said Tuesday during a news conference outside a hospital that Newton had no other internal injuries and that he would stay overnight for observation.

Dayton says the injuries will not require surgery but it was unclear if Newton would be able to practice or play against the Buccaneers on Sunday. He is expected to be released from the hospital on Wednesday.

Television footage showed Newton on a stretcher being placed in an ambulance. The Panthers said he was in fair condition at Carolinas Medical Center.

Photos from The Charlotte Observer showed the 25-year-old Newton smiling as he was attended to by an officer on the ground following the crash.

Newton has 2,800 yards passing this season with 16 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. He also has rushed for 425 yards and 3 touchdowns to lead the Panthers to a 4-8-1 record.

An Atlanta native, Newton led the Auburn Tigers to a national championship.

He threw three touchdown passes in Carolina's 41-10 win over the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, his best game in nearly a month-and-a-half. He also broke a string of eight straight games with an interception.

The win put the Panthers back in the playoff hunt, one-half game behind the Atlanta Falcons and New Orleans Saints (both 5-8).

Newton was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2011 NFL draft and was inserted in as the franchise's starter right away. He has only missed one game this season, the opener at Tampa Bay, due to a Newton has one year left on his rookie contract after the Panthers picked up a $15 million option for 2015.

The Panthers have repeatedly said Newton is a guy they view as their franchise quarterback moving forward.

Charlotte Observer reporter Jonathan Jones was tweeting photos from the scene.

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