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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

NFL notes: Cam Newton ‘thankful’ to be alive after auto accident

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Cam Newton is not worried about when he’ll return to the football field – he said he’s just happy to be alive.

The Carolina Panthers quarterback returned to the team’s facility Thursday, two days after a two-car accident left him with two fractures in his lower back.

He did not practice and his playing status will be reevaluated next week.

“As far as when I’m coming back, who cares? I’m just thankful to have breath in my lungs,” Newton said as he stood behind a podium during a 7-minute press conference.

Newton won’t play Sunday against Tampa Bay. Derek Anderson will start at quarterback. That’s fine with Newton, who feels blessed to not have been injured worse – or killed.

“I’m on somebody’s fantasy (football) league and I think it’s the man upstairs,” Newton said.

Newton arrived at the stadium Thursday morning and attended some team meetings, watched film and began rehabilitation with the training staff. He said his back remains a little stiff, but otherwise feels great.

Newton said he doesn’t think the other driver saw him as he pulled out into traffic onto the one-way street where the quarterback was driving, about a block from the stadium where the Panthers play.

Newton said the other car clipped the side of his slightly elevated 1998 Dodge truck, causing him to spin and the truck to overturn. He said he was conscious for the entire accident.

Newton said he’s not sure how long he will be out of action. The Panthers’ other games will be against Cleveland and Atlanta.

Rams donate to police group

The St. Louis Rams made a donation to a local police charity, The Backstoppers, before Thursday’s game against Arizona after five players’ “hands up” protest over Michael Brown’s death in Ferguson drew the ire of local law enforcement officials.

The Backstoppers provides financial assistance to families of first responders killed in the line of duty.

McCoy expected to start

Redskins coach Jay Gruden said Colt McCoy has had a “positive” recovery from a neck injury and is on pace to start this week against the New York Giants. Gruden said Robert Griffin III will start if McCoy can’t.