NFL notes: Panthers’ QB Cam Newton fractures back in accident
Caroline Panthers quarterback Cam Newton suffered fractures to his lower back in a two-car crash Tuesday and will spend the night in the hospital, a team spokesman said Tuesday.
Newton was in fair condition, had no other internal injuries and would not need surgery, team spokesman Charlie Dayton said during a news conference outside a Charlotte hospital. It was unclear if Newton would be able to practice or play Sunday against the Buccaneers, Dayton said.
“Right now we have thought about Cam’s well-being and we understand there was someone else in the other car who was injured,” Dayton said. “We just hope that they’re all OK.”
He was expected to be released from the hospital today after undergoing tests.
Television footage showed Newton on a stretcher being placed in an ambulance after the crash. Photos from The Charlotte Observer showed the 25-year-old smiling as an officer attended to him on the ground.
A black pickup truck that Charlotte-Mecklenburg police spokesman Robert Tufano said Newton was driving was overturned on the roadway with debris scattered all over the street. The roof was caved in and a tow truck later was hauling it away. 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 said he believes Newton was on his way to the stadium but wasn’t certain.
The two-time Pro Bowler has 2,800 yards passing this season with 16 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. He also has rushed for 425 yards and three touchdowns to lead the Panthers to a 4-8-1 record.
An Atlanta native, Newton led the Auburn Tigers to a national championship in 2010.
Dayton said Newton had two transverse process fractures in his lower back, which is the same description of an injury that Dallas quarterback Tony Romo has and has been playing through it.
Derek Anderson is the team’s backup quarterback and would be first in line to replace Newton if he is unable to play Sunday against Tampa Bay (2-10).
Manziel starts
Browns rookie quarterback Johnny Manziel will make his first NFL start on Sunday.
Cleveland coach Mike Pettine has decided to play Manziel this week against Cincinnati over slumping starter Brian Hoyer, who has thrown eight interceptions in his past four games.
Around the league
The Texans announced DE Jadeveon Clowney, the top overall pick in this year’s draft, had microfracture surgery on his right knee on Monday. … Bengals coach Marvin Lewis apologized again for calling Manziel “a midget,” saying his comment was insensitive and offensive. The Bengals (8-4-1) play in Cleveland (7-6) on Sunday. … The Chargers have signed Australian-born punter Mat McBriar to replace the injured Mike Scifres. The 35-year-old McBriar previously spent time with Denver, Seattle, Dallas, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh during his 12-year career. … Falcons coach Mike Smith said the “intention” is for WR Julio Jones to play this week against Pittsburgh after hurting his hip in Monday night’s loss at Green Bay. … The Bengals put LB Vontaze Burfict on the injured reserve list.