After a disappointing throwing session today, Panthers gunslinger Jake Delhomme will undergo season-ending surgery on his right elbow, ceding the starting spot to Houston castoff David Carr, who himself played through serious back pain to lead Carolina over New Orleans last weekend. Delhomme, a Pro Bowler, will require a rehab period of seven to nine months.
The Panthers, tied with the Buccaneers for the division lead, are not deep at the quarterback position; their only other signal-caller, Matt Moore, threw the first two passes of his career in temporary relief of a woozy Carr. Remarked coach John Fox, according to the AP: "Anytime you lose your starting quarterback it's a blow." (More Carolina Panthers stories.)