Cam Newton has new lease on life after accident, expresses gratitude in lengthy post

Published Dec. 11, 2014 9:12 a.m. ET

Brett Smiley

Doctors diagnosed Newton with two transverse process fractures in his back and discharged him from the hospital on Wednesday. A survey of the pictures from the scene of the accident indicates that Newton could have suffered far more severe injuries.

Backup quarterback Derek Anderson will start on Sunday for the Panthers, who host the Buccaneers.

Newton's timetable for a return to the field remains uncertain.

"That will be determined really on a day-to-day basis and we'll see how fast the soreness goes away," team spokesperson Charlie Dayton said. "He'll start the recuperation process (Wednesday)."