As reporters entered the Panthers locker room on Thursday for some face time with players, there was Jake Delhomme walking right toward us in a bit of hurry.

   "I'll be back fellas," Delhomme said.

   However, the 45-minute open locker room session came and went with Delhomme failing to return in time. Team spokesman Charlie Dayton said Delhomme was receiving treatment, but there is some optimism he will talk on Friday (players aren't normally allowed to speak with the media on Friday or Saturday). As a beat reporter, you have to cut Delhomme a break on this one, largely because in five years he's always been extremely accomodating and has never once purposely avoided the media.

   And besides, what can he say at this point anyway?

   Delhomme hasn't thrown any passes in practice this week, so my guess is he really he doesn't know anymore than he did on Wednesday. What we do know is the two most intense days of practice this week are now over and David Carr has taken all the reps with the first team.

   What does that mean? Well, you can draw your own conclusions, but my guess is unless Delhomme somehow practices on Friday -- and throws without any pain -- we will see Carr start on Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. (By the way, I have a pretty good story on Carr saved up for the weekend, so check back to read that.)

   Perhaps Jake will have more to say on Friday.