Orlando’s Sports Leader – 740 The Team – Orlando, FL

Carolina Panthers quarterback Chris Weinke missed practice on Friday for
the third straight day because of his injured shoulder and is still
questionable for Sunday’s game against St. Louis.

Panthers head coach George Seifert was unsure about who would start
Sunday, but if Weinke can’t play Matt Lytle would likely make his first NFL
start. Jim Harbaugh, signed earlier this week, has also been taking snaps in
practice.

“Jim (Harbaugh) is grasping things pretty darn fast and he has been
throwing the ball really pretty well,” said Seifert. “Matt is doing all
right with his opportunities so far. I, probably in my own mind, will have
it made up probably Saturday. I am not going to rule anything out right
now.”

Weinke was hurt in last week’s 23-6 loss to Miami and backup Dameyune
Craig was lost for the season with a foot injury that required surgery this
week.

Lytle, who began last week’s game as the third-string signal-caller,
threw his first NFL pass in last week’s game. He completed 2-of-4 passes for
seven yards and was sacked twice.

“Regardless if Chris plays or I play or Jim plays, I’m taking a lot of
snaps in practice,” said Lytle earlier this week. “In my mind mentally I’m
preparing to be the starter. Whether I start or not, I need to be ready to
play.

“I know the system. I know the progressions, reads, and the offense, so I
just have to take it play by play and have fun. The main thing is to have
fun. You can’t worry about anything around you. Just do your job and have
fun.”

Weinke has started the first eight games for the 1-7 Panthers. The rookie
from Florida State is last among NFC quarterbacks with a passer rating of
63.0. He has completed just 56.9 percent of his passes for 1,590 yards with
six touchdowns and 12 interceptions this season.

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