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The Panthers are experimenting with the idea of having defensive end Julius Peppers, who has played his entire career on the left side, switch to the right.

Peppers is coming off a dreadful year with just 2 1/2 sacks. And with the retirement of right defensive end Mike Rucker, the idea makes plenty of sense.

Peppers can be in more obvious pass-rushing situations on the right side (left ends, like Michael Strahan, generally are as good against the run as they are rushing the passer). If it works, then Peppers can expect to be with the Panthers for the foreseeable future. If it doesn't, then he's gone after this season. It's the final year of his contract.

As if the Panthers didn't have enough problems, now it's 44-year-old quarterback Vinny Testaverde's back that's acting up.

Testaverde didn't injure it during practice, and may have hurt himself in his sleep. He woke up this morning with a sore back, and is now questionable for tomorrow's home game against the Saints.

It was only a few days ago that Panthers coach John Fox anointed Testaverde as the starter until further notice over former No. 1 overall pick David Carr, who has been a complete washout with the Panthers. Now it looks as if Fox might have no alternative but to switch to Carr if Vinny T. can't go tomorrow.

Oh, boy.

Don't look now, but 43-year-old Vinny Testaverde might be forced into a starting role for the Panthers in Sunday's game against the Cardinals.

Just one day after signing with the Panthers, Testaverde and rookie Matt Moore shared the snaps in practice today because David Carr is still bothered by back problems.

Coach John Fox won't say whether Carr will be available to practice tomorrow, but he hasn't taken one practice snap all week after getting dinged in Sunday's win over the Saints.