Weakened RB still expected to start
Updated: October 5, 2003, 12:23 PM ET
ESPN.com news services
CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The New Orleans Saints early-season struggles just got a bit worse.
Running back Deuce McAllister, the Saints' main offensive weapon, was hospitalized Saturday night in Charlotte and needed an IV after being weakened by a virus.
McAllister is expected to receive additional IV fluids before Sunday's game at the unbeaten Carolina Panthers. It is expected he will start, but will share carries with backup running back Ki-Jana Carter.
McAllister has been one of New Orleans' few bright spots in the first quarter of the season. He already has 304 yards rushing and two touchdowns on 70 carries and has another 99 yards receiving.
SPONSORED HEADLINES
MORE NFL HEADLINES
- Report: Hernandez questioned on homicide
- Pats' Gronkowski undergoes back surgery
- Gleason accepts fired radio DJs' apologies
- Johnson: 'I've learned my lesson' from jail
MOST SENT STORIES ON ESPN.COM
EDITORS' PICKS

- Can He Do It Again?
- Russell Wilson is the young QB with the most to prove.
Chadiha »

- Problem Solved?
- Can a pair of rookies improve G.B.'s run game?
Outsiders

- No Ordinary Rookie
- Can Denard Robinson give the Jaguars an edge?
Kuharsky »
- Outsiders: Packers run woes done?
- Bowen: How to stop Adrian Peterson
- Schefter: What New York Jets will do at QB
- Kiper: The 5 best offseasons of 2013
- Offseason Grades: AFC | NFC | Kiper on draft

