Panthers QB Cam Newton released from hospital after car accident

Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton was discharged from the hospital on Wednesday after injuring his back in a car accident on Tuesday, team spokesman

Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton was discharged from the hospital on Wednesday after injuring his back in a car accident on Tuesday, team spokesman Charlie Dayton told reporters.

Dayton also said Newton is experiencing soreness in addition to the injury to his back. Newton has two transverse process fractures in his lower back after the incident, which occurred around 12:30 p.m. ET on Tuesday near Bank of America Stadium.

According to NFL.com's Jeff Darlington, Newton "headed straight to the stadium" after being released from the hospital.

Newton spent the night under observation, but the team said Tuesday that Newton had "no further internal injuries."

Newton was not charged in the car accident, according to the crash report.

It's unclear if the quarterback will play in Sunday's game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. If he misses the contest, backup Derek Anderson would get the start.

From the Observer:

Team officials had no comment on Newton’s football-related status but were privately doubtful he could play in Sunday’s game against Tampa Bay.

Jarrett Bell of USA TODAYreports that Panthers general manager Dave Gettleman said he was thankful that the crash wasn't any worse. He also said, "God bless the fact that he was wearing a seat belt."

- Sarah Barshop