Panthers quarterback Cam Newton suffered two fractures in his back when he was involved in a car crash near the team’s stadium today.
Panthers spokesman Charlie Dayton said today that Newton is in fair condition and will remain hospitalized overnight.
“Cam does have two transverse process fractures in his lower back but no other internal injuries,” he said. “He’ll stay overnight but there are no more tests scheduled, and that’s it.”
Two transverse process fractures is the same injury suffered by Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo this season. Romo missed one game. Baylor quarterback Bryce Petty also suffered a transverse process fracture this season and also missed one game. The transverse process is a small bone that sticks out from either side of the vertebrae.
The Panthers say they are only thinking about Newton’s well-being and have not begun thinking about when he will be able to return to the field.