2:26pm: After undergoing further tests, Newton has been diagnosed with two transverse process fractures in his lower back, and no further internal injuries, according to the team (Twitter link). The injury is similar to the one that sidelined Tony Romo for one game earlier this season.
1:35pm: Newton “is in fair condition and undergoing tests at Carolinas Medical Center and will remain there overnight for observation,” the Panthers have announced in a tweet.
12:22pm: The Observer has passed along a photo of Newton conscious and smiling following the accident (Twitter link). Meanwhile, WBTV in Charlotte is reporting (via Twitter) that Newton was taken to the hospital as a precaution and didn’t suffer any major injuries.
12:09pm: A Charlotte-Mecklenburg police officer confirms to Jones (Twitter link) that Newton was driving the vehicle that overturned, and that the Panthers QB was able to communicate before being loaded into an ambulance.
12:04pm: Panthers quarterback Cam Newton was involved in a car wreck today near Bank of America Stadium, according to a report from the Charlotte Observer. A car – believed to be Newton’s – crashed and overturned on the Church Street bridge in Charlotte. Per Jonathan Jones of the Charlotte Observer (via Twitter), Newton was placed onto a stretcher and taken to the hospital.
It’s not clear yet whether Newton is seriously injured or whether the trip to the hospital is precautionary, but we’ll pass along details as soon as they become available.
The Panthers – and their quarterback – are coming off their best game of the season, a 41-10 drubbing of the division-rival Saints, which saw Newton throw for 226 yards and three touchdowns and run for another 83 yards and a TD. At 4-8-1, the team is a half-game out of first place in the NFC South.