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Wide receiver Dwayne Jarrett, the second-round choice of the Carolina Panthers in this year's NFL draft, apparently escaped serious injury in a Wednesday evening car accident in which the former Southern California star was involved.

Details of the accident remained sketchy on Thursday, but Panthers officials said they are satisfied that Jarrett, who was wearing a seat belt at the time, sustained only superficial bumps and bruises. Team physicians are aware of the accident and are expected to check with Jarrett's personal doctors, and continue to monitor the situation.

General manager Marty Hurney told the Charlotte (N.C.) Observer that Jarrett is "fine."

Team officials hope to have more details of the accident by Friday. It is not believed that Jarrett is hospitalized.

The 45th overall prospect chosen, Jarrett is expected to challenge for the starting job as the Carolina No. 2 receiver, opposite Steve Smith. Only days after selecting Jarrett, the Panthers released veteran Keyshawn Johnson, last year's starter, and team management said then that they felt it was time to rely on young receivers.

The other contenders for the starting job are fourth-year veterans Drew Carter and Keary Colbert, both of whom have been part-time starters in the past.

Jarrett resembles Johnson both in physical dimensions and playing style. One of the biggest receivers in the 2007 draft class, the 6-foot-4, 219-pound Jarrett is not noted for his speed and was clocked in predraft workouts in the low-4.6s for the 40-yard dash. But Jarrett can overpower smaller cornerbacks and has deceptive speed when running through a secondary.

He appeared in 38 games for the Trojans, including 31 starts, and finished his career with 216 receptions for 3,138 yards and 41 touchdowns. His best season was in 2005, when he posted 91 catches for 1,274 yards and 16 touchdowns.

He departed Southern Cal with the most receptions in school history and his 41 touchdowns established a Pac 10 record for receiving touchdowns.

Senior writer Len Pasquarelli covers the NFL for ESPN.com