Cam Newton accident update: Carolina GM glad Newton is OK, thanks seatbelt

Panthers QB Cam Newton will be released from the hospital today, but the team executives are more concerned with his health than his playing time.

READ MORE:

The Carolina Panthers front office was relieved to hear that star QB Cam Newton was not seriously hurt in yesterday’s car crash.

Dave Gettleman, the Carolina Panthers’ general manager, was especially thankful that Newton was wearing his safety gear inside the car.

“God bless the fact that he was wearing a seat belt,” Gettleman told USA TODAY Sports on Tuesday night. “I’m just thankful that it wasn’t any worse.”

Newton suffered two transverse process fractures in his lower back after his truck flipped over on its side after the two-vehicle collision Tuesday at a busy intersection near the team’s Bank of America Stadium headquarters in downtown Charlotte.

Newton remained hospitalized overnight at Carolinas Medical Center. He was listed in fair condition, and according to the team, he did not suffer internal injuries.

Although there is no real concern regarding Newton’s long-term football status, his availability for Sunday’s game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is in question. Gettleman said it would depend on Newton’s condition and results of further examination, but maintained that Newton’s football status is not the top priority.

“I just think this is bigger than football,” Gettleman said.