Testaverde Returns...Again

Vinny Testaverde isn't finished yet -- even at age 43. The Carolina Panthers, desperate for a quarterback with Jake Delhomme out for the season and David Carr banged up, signed Testaverde to a one-year deal Wednesday. Testaverde, the No. 1 overall pick by Tampa Bay in the 1987 draft, practiced in his familiar No. 16 jersey Wednesday, while hearing his teammates call him "Dad" as he came up to the line of scrimmage. "I haven't told them yet, but I have probably forgot more football than these guys already know," Testaverde said with a grin. "We'll have some fun with that." Joining his sixth franchise, Testaverde has played in 226 games with 208 starts. He was cut by New England before the start of the season. "We decided he was our best option," general manager Marty Hurney said. "He brings experience. He throws the ball extremely well. He's a fierce competitor. It seems like he'll be an extremely good fit for us."
Testaverde will provide insurance behind Carr, who became the Panthers' No. 1 QB on Monday when the team announced Delhomme would have season-ending elbow surgery. But Testaverde could be a candidate to start Sunday's game at Arizona. Carr, who suffered a back injury in Carolina's win over New Orleans, missed practice Wednesday. Walking gingerly, Carr was unsure when he'll be able to return.

Source: AP ESPN