Cam Newton released from hospital after auto accident, back fractures

Cam Newton is having a much better day Wednesday than 24 hours earlier.

On Tuesday the Carolina Panthers quarterback suffered two transverse process fractures in his lower back when he was involved in an auto accident in Charlotte, N.C.

A day later, though, Newton has been released from Carolinas Medical Center, the Panthers announced via Twitter.

“Cam Newton has soreness but is in good spirits,” the team tweeted. “He’s excited to be discharged and begin recuperating with family.”

No citations were issued for the accident, which occurred when another driver pulled out into traffic and collided with Newton’s truck, causing it to flip, a police report said.

Also on Wednesday the 2010 Heisman Trophy winner was named the NFC offensive player of the week after passing for three touchdowns and running for another during the Panthers’ 41-10 victory over the New Orleans Saints.

With the victory, Carolina pulled to within half a game of NFC South leaders New Orleans and Atlanta with a key divisional game against Tampa Bay coming up this week.

Veteran Derek Anderson will start in place of Newton for that game.

“I won’t expose him,” Coach Ron Rivera said Wednesday of Newton. “I don’t want to put him in a bad position.”

Twitter: @chewkiii