After experiencing pain trying to throwtoday, the Carolina Panthers quarterback decided the worst-case scenario couldn't be avoided.

Delhomme will have season-ending ligament-replacement surgery on his elbow next week, leaving the Panthers without their leader on offense and scrambling to find another quarterback.

"Anytime you lose your starting quarterback it's a blow," coach John Fox said.

Originally injured two weeks ago, Delhomme didn't show any improvement when trying to throw today. A day earlier he threw briefly on the side while sitting out Carolina's win over the Saints.

"I think (Sunday) he was just trying to see how it felt," Fox said. "Today he really pushed it and experienced some of the same discomfort he had during the Atlanta game."

Fox said Delhomme is expected to recover in time for the start of next season. Delhomme left Bank of America Stadium today without speaking to reporters.

The Panthers are left in a precarious position, as Delhomme's backup, David Carr, is also banged up.

Carr, signed in the offseason after being a five-year starter in Houston, sustained a back injury against the Saints and his status for Sunday's game at Arizona is uncertain.

"David is definitely sore," Fox said. "He's still being evaluated."

The only other QB on the roster is undrafted rookie Matt Moore, who completed a 43-yard pass against the Saints while briefly subbing for Carr in the first half. Quinton Porter was signed two weeks ago to the practice squad.

"We obviously know we're going to be doing something," Fox said. "But what that is hasn't been hashed out yet."

Delhomme sustained what the team called a strained right elbow when he was sacked by John Abraham in Carolina's win over Atlanta on Sept. 23. Delhomme stayed in the game until the next series, when he winced in pain and clutched his elbow after throwing a short pass to fullback Brad Hoover.