The Carolina Panthers may be forced to start quarterback Chris Weinke this Sunday against the New York Giants. Starting quarterback Jake Delhomme missed his third straight day of practice on Friday de to a right thumb injury. Delhomme injured his hand during the first quarter of Monday night's loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. After completing a 9-yard touchdown pass to Steve Smith, his hand came down on the helmet of Eagles defensive end Darwin Walker.

"He did not take snaps or practice today," said coach John Fox on Friday. "He says it feels better every day, so we'll evaluate it again tomorrow."

The injury may have affected Delhomme dearly in the fourth quarter of the game, when he threw two costly interceptions. Delhomme has had several chances to rally the Panthers this year, but the result has usually been a game-ending interception.

Weinke, who is a former Heisman Trophy winner, has not thrown a pass this season. Last year, he threw only 13 passes for the season, completing seven of them, including one for a touchdown. He was the Panthers starting quarterback in 2001, when the team went 1-15.

Meanwhile, running back DeShaun Foster hopes to return to the lineup after practicing for his third straight day.