Cam Newton suffers back injury in car wreck

Panthers coach Ron Rivera said Monday that the quarterback’s status is day-to-day, but he’ll be able to take the field this week if he progresses on schedule and can avoid further injury. Via Joe Person of the Charlotte Observer:

Backup Derek Anderson threw for 277 yards and a touchdown in the win over the Bucs, which moved Carolina to 5-8-1. Once left for dead, Carolina now controls its own fate heading down the final stretch of the season.

Newton said that when he got out of his Dodge Ram, he looked back and thought, “somebody’s supposed to be dead.”

“I’m on somebody’s fantasy league, and I think it’s the man upstairs,” Newton said, “As far as when I’m coming back, who cares? I’m just thankful that I have breath in my lungs.”

This will be the second start in 2014 for Anderson, who also subbed for Newton in the season opener against the Buccaneers. Anderson was 24 of 34 for 230 yards and two touchdowns against the Bucs in Carolina’s 28-14 victory. Since then he also appeared in three games, completing 70 percent of his passes with no interceptions and a passer rating of 124.2.

★★★

The injury may be similar to what Tony Romo is playing with this season. Romo sat out a Nov. 2 bout against the Arizona Cardinals after suffering two transverse process fractures in his back in Week 8. He was able to return in Week 10 and play well.

Charlie Dayton was the Panthers’ spokesman. He said he did not receive an indication that Newton would require surgery. Via USA Today:

Panthers quarterback Cam Newton was involved in a car accident on Tuesday and taken to the hospital. His teammates and other NFL players heard the news and quickly tweeted out thoughts of support to Newton.

Newton reportedly did not suffer any internal injuries, and does not appear to have suffered any head injuries. He will remain at the hospital overnight for observation, just as the Panthers announced earlier in the afternoon. The Panthers’ spokesman said that he did not receive an indication that Newton would require surgery, and would not speculate whether he would miss playing time. Via USA Today:

The Observer’s Jonathan Jones reported that it was Newton’s truck that overturned, and that Newton was driving. The Observer was able to photograph Newton conscious at the scene.