Carr's Ailing Back Could Force Testaverde Into Panthers' Lineup Immediately

Quarterback David Carr sat out the Carolina Panthers' practice for a second straight day because of a sore back, raising the possibility that 21-year NFL veteran Vinny Testaverde could be the team's starter only days after being lured out of retirement.

Testaverde and undrafted rookie Matt Moore split the work during the Panthers' practice. Coach John Fox told reporters he had been hopeful that Carr might practice today, and didn't say whether he expected Carr to practice Friday. Fox didn't indicate whether Testaverde or Moore was next in line to be the starter if Carr is unable to play this weekend.

Carr was knocked from last Sunday's triumph over the New Orleans Saints but returned to finish the game. He said afterward he'd initially thought his back injury was serious enough to be career-ending.

Carr took over as the Panthers' starter when Jake Delhomme suffered an elbow injury during a Sept. 23 game against the Atlanta Falcons. Delhomme was placed on the injured reserve list this week, ending his season, and is scheduled to undergo surgery next week. The Panthers signed the 43-year-old Testaverde on Wednesday to provide an experienced backup to Carr.

The Panthers are readying to face the Arizona Cardinals, who tried to sign Testaverde this week to back up new starter Kurt Warner but lost out to Carolina.

By Mark Maske |  October 11, 2007; 2:30 PM ET  | Category:  Panthers
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