Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton has been diagnosed with two lower back fractures following a two-car accident Tuesday near the team's stadium in Charlotte.

According to ESPN, the Panthers released a statement on Tuesday afternoon revealing that further testing showed Newton has two transverse process fractures in his lower back. He suffered no other internal injuries.

The car accident happened around 12:30 p.m. ET, according to police. Observer reporter Karen Sullivan was walking on Church Street when she saw Newton's truck cross over the top of the sedan and become airborne before rolling over, reports the Charlotte Observer. The truck windows shattered, Sullivan said.

Newton, 25, lifted himself out of the vehicle through the back window. He staggered over to the sidewalk where he laid down and waited for medical help.

Newton and the other driver were both transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. According to the Panthers, Newton was hospitalized for observation but the fourth-year quarterback was "in fair condition and undergoing tests at Carolinas Medical Center."

Team owner Jerry Richardson told the Charlotte Observer that Newton is "in good shape," after receiving an update on his condition from Carolinas Medical Center doctors.

The injury is identical to the back injury suffered by Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo earlier this season, ESPN reports. Romo missed one game due to the injury, however, there's no word on how long Newton will be absent.

If Newton is unable to play football, veteran Derek Anderson will substitute as Carolina's starting quarterback. Anderson led the Panthers to a win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 1 while Newton recovered from fractured ribs.

Newton is expected to be released from the hospital later Tuesday, and he is in for some good news. He has been named the NFC's offensive player of the week for Week 14, reports NBC Sports.

The Panthers play the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.

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