Rookie QB may start vs. Bucs

The Panthers' Chris Weinke has a concussion, so Randy Fasani is their healthiest option for Sunday.

©Associated Press
October 22, 2002

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Carolina quarterback Chris Weinke spent Sunday night in the hospital with a concussion, leaving the Panthers with rookie Randy Fasani as their healthiest option for Sunday's game against Tampa Bay.

Weinke was knocked out during the loss to Atlanta, and was released from the hospital Monday. But coach John Fox said he didn't know if Weinke would be able to face the Bucs and their top-ranked defense.

"He lost some memory of the day, (but) he never was unconscious," Fox said. "I can't speak hypothetically, but right now he's not healthy. So Randy right now would be our starter going into the week."

Rodney Peete, who started the first six games for Carolina, had surgery on his knee last week and is out until next month. So that leaves Fasani as the only option, unless the Panthers sign someone.

Fox said the team would consider bringing in a quarterback, but refused to speculate on whom the team might work out today.

The coaching staff told Fasani, a fifth-round draft pick from Stanford, to be ready to work with the first team offense Wednesday and prepare as if he'll start against Tampa Bay.

"At this point, I'm starting," Fasani said. "I'm excited at the chance to start for the Panthers. You never know what's going to happen."

Weinke, in his first start of the season, completed 3-of-8 passes for 26 yards. He ran twice for 15 yards, but was sacked three times.

Then he was injured and Fasani took over.

Fasani completed 6-of-18 passes for 100 yards with an interception. He rushed eight times for 58 yards and was sacked once.

Fox said he would not hesitate to start Fasani on Sunday.

"He's smart, he's got a lot of intangibles that I think are important," Fox said. "He does have that mobility that is helpful and I think with time he'll be a fine young player. I feel very confident in Randy Fasani.

"Now, we don't have a lot of depth after him at this point. That probably concerns me more than starting Randy."

Safety Mike Minter has a strained biceps and a possible right ankle sprain. Rookie running back DeShaun Foster (knee) is expected to make his season debut Sunday, and linebackers Mark Fields and Dan Morgan (hamstrings) also have chances to play.