Panthers scramble for QB: Carr ruled out, Vinny questionable

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- It has come to this for the Carolina Panthers: Undrafted rookie Matt Moore, with the team since September, could start Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons if Vinny Testaverde's Achilles' tendon doesn't improve.

Testaverde had practiced two straight days, but was held out of Friday's workout because he again felt pain in his right Achilles' tendon and was listed as questionable.

David Carr, Carolina's other veteran quarterback, practiced for the first time this week but was ruled out as he continues to recover from a concussion he suffered against Tennessee.

Moore's backup might be former UCLA teammate Drew Olson, who was signed to the practice squad Tuesday and has never thrown a pass in the NFL.

"I walk in here the same way you guys walk in here," said coach John Fox, whose team has had five injuries to four quarterbacks since the preseason. "My parking space just may be a little closer."

Earlier this week it appeared that Testaverde, who turns 44 next week, would start against the Falcons. He sat out last Sunday's loss to Tennessee with the Achilles' tendon he first injured against Indianapolis on Oct. 28.

On Wednesday, Testaverde said he felt great. He practiced again Thursday, but something happened overnight.

"I wouldn't say it's a setback," Fox said. "It was a little sore and we just decided to rest him."

Fox wasn't taking chances with Carr.

"It's a little bit different environment practicing than playing," the coach said.

Carr is also not completely healthy from a back injury that forced the team to sign Testaverde, who started four days later against Arizona and became the oldest starting quarterback to win an NFL game.

Carr had taken over for Jake Delhomme, who was lost to a season-ending elbow injury in Week 3. Brett Basanez, projected to be the third-string QB in the preseason, is out for the year with a wrist injury.

So if Testaverde doesn't improve, Moore could be under center Sunday.