Charlotte, N.C. • Panthers quarterback Cam Newton suffered fractures to his lower back in a two-car crash Tuesday and would spend the night in the hospital, a team spokesman said Tuesday.
Newton was in fair condition, had no other internal injuries and would not need surgery, team spokesman Charlie Dayton said during a news conference outside a Charlotte hospital. It was unclear if Newton would be able to practice or play Sunday against the Buccaneers, Dayton said.
He was expected to be released from the hospital on Wednesday after undergoing tests.
Johnny Football to start Sunday
Johnny Football's days as a backup are over this season.
He's getting his chance to start.
Rookie quarterback Johnny Manziel will make his first NFL start Sunday against Cincinnati, replacing the slumping Brian Hoyer as Cleveland tries to pump life into its sagging playoff hopes.
After moving up in May's draft to get him and waiting seven months as he learned and watched from the sideline, the Browns are finally setting loose one of college football's most captivating players with three games left in the season.
Browns coach Mike Pettine made the expected switch on Tuesday after meeting with his staff and general manager Ray Farmer, then informing both quarterbacks.
Lewis apologizes for Manziel remark
Bengals coach Marvin Lewis apologized on Tuesday for calling Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel a derogatory word for a little person, saying his comment was insensitive and offensive.
Lewis called the 6-foot quarterback the name during a radio show on Monday night and later issued an apology.
He released a statement on Tuesday saying he realizes that his comment "was offensive to people of short stature and to their families and friends. It was thoughtless on my part to use the word I did, and not excusable, and I greatly regret it."
Niners activate linebacker Bowman
San Francisco activated star linebacker NaVorro Bowman on Tuesday to the 53-man roster at the conclusion of its 21-day window to do so before it would have had to decide to rule out any chance of a return and end his season. The 49ers (7-6) are in a must-win mode the rest of the way to have even a slim chance of making the playoffs for the fourth straight year under coach Jim Harbaugh.
Jones likely to play Sunday, Falcons say
Falcons coach Mike Smith said Tuesday the "intention" is for wide receiver Julio Jones to play this week against Pittsburgh after hurting his hip Monday in Green Bay.
Jones had 11 catches for a team-record 259 yards with one touchdown in the 43-37 loss to the Packers. He watched from the sideline after leaving the game in the fourth quarter with the injury.
Smith said Jones and safety William Moore, who hurt his foot, were sore on Tuesday and may miss practice time this week.
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