Auburn quarterback Cam Newton was taken for x-rays on Monday night following the BCS Championship after sustaining what is feared to be a "significant injury." That injury, reportedly to his lower back, came after Newton took a hit late in the game against the Oregon Ducks. He stayed on the field for the Tigers, engineering the game-clinching drive.
Cam Newton X-Rayed Following BCS Championship, May Have ‘Significant Back Injury’
There’s no word on what the x-rays showed, and Auburn is keeping any information close to the vest on Tuesday. According to a report from CBS Sports, Newton’s injury was termed “serious” and it was clear he was taken for further evaluation following the game.
CBSSports.com’s Mike Freeman reported that Newton “seriously injured his lower back” late in the game and was X-rayed following the postgame press conference. By Tuesday morning it become evident around the Auburn camp that Newton had gotten X-rays although coach Gene Chizik did not provide details.
If the injury is significant, it alters the view of Newton ahead of the 2011 NFL Draft. With the Jan. 15 deadline looming, Newton has little time to make a decision on his future -- a decision that could be altered by a back injury.
In the latest 2011 NFL mock draft, Newton is projected to be the No. 7 pick, taken by the San Francisco 49ers. Newton failed to impress in the BCS Championship, completing 20-34 passes for 265 yards, two touchdowns and one interception against the Oregon Ducks. With questions about how he’ll project in the NFL, and news of a potentially serious back injury looming, it remains to be seen how his draft stock will be affected.
For more on the Tigers and Newton, check out SB Nation’s Track Em Tigers.
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