Carolina's QB tossup

Carr, Testaverde play the waiting game over Oct. 28 start

CHARLOTTE -- If the Carolina Panthers have a difficult decision to make at quarterback, you wouldn't know it from listening to Vinny Testaverde and David Carr on Wednesday.

They're the two at the center of speculation and fan sentiment that's sure to drag out for at least another week. With his team on its bye week, coach John Fox has declined to say if Carr or Testaverde will be the starter Oct. 28 when the Panthers host Indianapolis (5-0).

If Carr and Testaverde know anything, they're not saying, but both have been around long enough to know they're the talk of the town.

"That's what this is all for, the circus," Carr said. "When you guys (in the media) make that decision, let me know. I'll be on the edge of my seat, I'm sure."

Fans might have to stay on the edge of their seats, too, because it's possible Fox doesn't know which quarterback he'll choose.

A week after signing, Testaverde said he's still learning the playbook. Carr's still trying to get his back healthy after the Oct. 7 game.

The Panthers don't have to announce an injury report during the bye week, but Carr, who sat out Sunday's victory in Arizona, sounded optimistic.

"I would say that there is a 100 percent chance that I'll be ready for Indy," he said.

That doesn't necessarily mean he'll get the start. Testaverde's performance in Sunday's 25-10 victory has fueled speculation the Panthers might put their offense into the hands of a 43-year-old who was unemployed a week ago.

Playing after two full practices and two walk-throughs, Testaverde led the team to 16 fourth-quarter points and became the oldest starting QB to win an NFL game. That brought national attention, but he said his 20 previous seasons have taught him not to get too excited.

"It's one game," he said. "It's one week. It just gives us an opportunity to go forward with confidence. ... It wasn't anything special."

It was good enough to give the Panthers (4-2) a victory and at least give fans something to talk about. Carr and Testaverde, though, want no part of any speculation.

"Not at all," Testaverde said. "I would just say (Fox) has options. ... Whatever role they ask me to do, I'm willing to do."