Fox eludes naming Carr, Testeverde as starter against Colts

Published: Oct 24, 2007 at 06:36 AM

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- David Carr will play if he's healthy. He just may not start.

That was the message from Carolina Panthers coach John Fox on Wednesday about the budding quarterback controversy involving Carr and 43-year-old Vinny Testaverde.

Carr practiced without limitations on Wednesday. His sore back has improved since he missed Carolina's last game at Arizona on Oct. 14, when Testaverde led the Panthers to a win four days after signing with the team.

"He looked good today," Fox said of Carr. "He was able to take snaps, take reps, throw the ball."

Fox wouldn't name Carr the starter Sunday against Indianapolis, though, and hinted at some possible platoon with Testaverde.

"I'm not hiding anything. I'm just not totally sure yet," Fox said. "One guy hasn't practiced in quite some time and the other guy is fairly new. So we'll keep you posted."

Carr took over as the starter for Jake Delhomme, who injured his elbow in Week 3 and last week underwent season-ending ligament-replacement surgery.

Carr was injured in the first half against New Orleans on Oct. 7. After being carted off the field, he received treatment and took several painkillers before returning in the second half and leading the Panthers to a come-from-behind win.

But Carr couldn't play the following week, forcing the Panthers to sign Testaverde. After a cram session to learn the offense, Testaverde threw for 206 yards, including the go-ahead 65-yard touchdown pass to Steve Smith in the fourth quarter in a win at Arizona, becoming the oldest starting quarterback to win an NFL game.

While Carr and Testaverde are both former No. 1 overall draft picks, Testaverde came out of college in 1987, 15 years before Carr.

Testaverde, who turns 44 next month, wasn't sure he'd get another job after he was released by New England before the start of the regular season. But his play against the Cardinals gives the Panthers another option.

Testaverde, who has played in 227 career games, ranks in the top 10 in the NFL in career pass attempts, completions, yards passing and 300-yard passing games.

Carr, a five-year starter in Houston, beat Indianapolis the last time he faced them. The Texans stunned the Colts 27-24 in Week 16 last season.

Running back DeShaun Foster missed practice Wednesday with a toe injury. That could open the way for DeAngelo Williams, who rushed for 121 yards against Arizona, to start against the Colts.

Linebacker Dan Morgan (Achilles), running back Nick Goings (concussion) and linebacker Adam Seward also missed practice.

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