CHARLOTTE, N.C. >> Panthers quarterback Cam Newton suffered fractures to his lower back in a two-car crash Tuesday and will 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, Dayton said. 

Newton was expected to be released from the hospital on Wednesday after tests.

Television footage showed Newton on a stretcher being placed in an ambulance after the crash. Photos from the Charlotte Observer showed the 25-year-old smiling as an officer attended to him.

A black pickup 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 was caved in. Another car that appeared to be involved in the crash had front-end damage. 

Browns to start Manziel 

Cleveland rookie quarterback Johnny Manziel will make his first NFL start on Sunday.

Coach Mike Pettine has decided to play the No. 22 pick this week against Cincinnati over slumping starter Brian Hoyer, who has thrown eight interceptions in his past four games.

The popular and polarizing Manziel has been on the field for just 18 plays this season. He came off the bench two weeks ago in the fourth quarter for Hoyer and completed five of eight passes and scored on a 10-yard run.

Clowney has surgery

Houston’s Jadeveon Clowney, the top overall pick in this year’s draft, had microfracture surgery on his right knee on Monday, general manager Rick Smith said. 

The Texans said last week that Clowney would have season-ending knee surgery, but did not specify what that surgery would be.

McBriar back with Bolts

The Chargers have signed former UH punter Mat McBriar to replace the injured Mike Scifres.

Scifres broke his left collarbone Sunday night in a 23-14 loss to New England.

Niners activate Bowman

The San Francisco 49ers on Tuesday activated linebacker NaVorro Bowman to the 53-man roster from the reserve/physically unable to perform list. 

Bowman has been rehabbing his surgically repaired left knee that has kept him out since the injury in January’s NFC title game.