CHARLOTTE, N.C. >> Panthers quarterback Cam Newton has returned to practice eight days after an automobile accident left him with two fractures in his lower back.

Newton, wearing a long sleeve black shirt under his red practice jersey and a helmet, participated in all of the team drills Wednesday and did some throwing during the portion of practice open to the media. He didn’t do much running.

Coach Ron Rivera is expected to address Newton’s status for Sunday’s game against the Browns later Wednesday.

Newton missed last week’s game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after flipping his truck in a two-vehicle wreck on Dec. 9. Newton suffered two transverse process fractures and was hospitalized overnight after the crash.

The fourth-year quarterback is 3-8-1 this season as Carolina’s starter.