Carolina undecided on QB vs. Seahawks

The Carolina Panthers’ quarterback situation remained muddled Wednesday after Vinny Testaverde missed practice and coach John Fox declined to name a starter for the game Sunday against Seattle.

The 44-year-old Testaverde, who was yanked for rookie Matt Moore in the fourth quarter of Sunday’s 37-6 loss to Jacksonville, was given the day off.

Testaverde struggled against Jacksonville, completing only 13 of 28 passes for 84 yards and an interception. Moore was 3 of 10 for 21 yards, and ineffective David Carr has slipped to No. 3 on the depth chart.

Saints’ Mare out

The New Orleans Saints signed kicker Martin Gramatica and placed Olindo Mare on injured reserve.

Mare, who kicks with his right foot, dislocated his right hip making a tackle late in the Saints’ 34-14 triumph over Atlanta on Monday night.

Gramatica hasn’t played since last season when he was with the Dallas Cowboys for five games.

Niners put Smith on IR

The San Francisco 49ers put quarterback Alex Smith on injured reserve and signed Chris Weinke to provide depth at the injury-depleted position.

Smith will have surgery today on his separated right shoulder.

Shaun Hill, a career third-stringer who had never thrown an NFL pass in six seasons before last Sunday, is expected to start Saturday against Cincinnati. Trent Dilfer, Smith’s backup, isn’t expected to play because of a concussion.