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CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Carolina quarterback Jake Delhomme did not practice for a third straight day Friday with a right thumb injury, making it more likely Chris Weinke will start for the Panthers in Sunday's game against the New York Giants.

Jake Delhomme

Quarterback Carolina Panthers Profile

2006 SEASON STATISTICS Att Comp Yds TD Int Rat 404 240 2431 15 11 79.4

Delhomme, who has ligament damage in the thumb of his throwing hand, said he had hoped to practice Friday. But he spent the entire workout watching and did not speak to reporters as he left the field.

"He did not take snaps or practice today," said coach John Fox, who did not rule out Delhomme playing Sunday. "He says it feels better every day, so we'll evaluate it again tomorrow."

Delhomme was injured when his hand hit Eagles defensive tackle Darwin Walker's helmet on a 9-yard touchdown pass to Steve Smith in the first quarter of Monday's loss to Philadelphia. Delhomme continued to play and threw two fourth-quarter interceptions, the last coming in the end zone with 25 seconds left.

Weinke, a former Heisman Trophy winner, has thrown only 13 passes in four seasons and hasn't been a full-time starter since 2001 when the Panthers were 1-15.

The Panthers only have two quarterbacks on the active roster. If Delhomme can't play, they are expected to promote rookie Brett Basanez from the practice squad.

Carolina created a roster spot Friday, placing rookie tackle Rashad Butler on the reserve/non-football injury list. Butler, who has not played this season, has a staph infection.

Also Friday, running back and kickoff returner Nick Goings missed practice and was downgraded to doubtful with a shoulder injury.

Cornerback Ken Lucas missed practice again with a strained hamstring and remains questionable, but tight end Kris Mangum (hip) and safety Mike Minter (knee) practiced for the second straight day and were upgraded to probable.

Starting cornerback Chris Gamble suffered a thigh injury in Friday's practice and has been added to the injury report as questionable.

Running back DeShaun Foster (elbow) practiced for a third straight day and remains probable.

Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press