Panthers: Cam Newton Has Two Fractures In His Lower Back

Update 3:48 p.m.:

Carolina Panthers tweet: "Further testing revealed that Cam Newton has two transverse process fractures in his lower back and no further internal injuries."

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Panthers quarterback Cam Newton was taken to a hospital Tuesday after being involved in a two-vehicle crash not far from the team's stadium in Charlotte.

Television footage showed Newton on a stretcher being placed in an ambulance. It was unclear how badly the 25-year-old was injured, but photos from the Charlotte Observer showed Newton smiling as he was attended to by an officer on the ground.

Carolina spokesman Charlie Dayton said the team is closely monitoring the crash and will have more information later on Newton.

A truck that Charlotte Mecklenburg police spokesman Robert Tufano said Newton was driving was overturned on the roadway with debris scattered all over the street. The roof of the truck was caved in. Another car that appeared to be involved in the crash had front end damage.

The police were investigating how the crash happened on a bridge that crosses busy I-277 in the shadow of Bank of America Stadium, where the Panthers play.

Newton has 2,800 yards passing this season with 16 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. He also has rushed for 425 yards and 3 touchdowns to lead the Panthers to a 4-8-1 record.

An Atlanta native, Newton led the Auburn Tigers to a national championship.

As word of the accident spread online, NFL players started sending good wishes on social media. "Praying for @CameronNewton," Oakland Raiders defensive end Justin Tuck tweeted.

He threw three touchdown passes in Carolina's 41-10 win over the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, his best game in nearly a month-and-a-half. He also broke a string of eight straight games with an interception.

The win put the Panthers back in the playoff hunt, one-half game behind the Atlanta Falcons and New Orleans Saints (both 5-8).

Newton was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2011 NFL draft and was inserted in as the franchise's starter right away. He has only missed one game this season, the opener at Tampa Bay. Newton has one year left on his rookie contract after the Panthers picked up a $15 million option for 2015.

The Panthers have repeatedly said Newton is a guy they view as their franchise quarterback moving forward.

AP Sports Writer Steve Reed and Associated Press Writer Mitch Weiss contributed to this report.

Cam Newton being loaded into ambulance https://t.co/Sc2wK6KGJg

— Jonathan Jones (@jjones9)