Thumb Still Sore Spot for Delhomme

Carolina quarterback Jake Delhomme did not practice for a third straight day yesterday with a right thumb injury, making it more likely Chris Weinke will start for the Panthers in tomorrow's game against the New York Giants.

Delhomme, who has ligament damage in the thumb of his throwing hand, said he had hoped to practice yesterday. But he spent the entire workout watching and did not speak to reporters as he left the field.

Delhomme was injured when his hand hit Eagles defensive tackle Darwin Walker's helmet on a nine-yard touchdown pass to Steve Smith in the first quarter of Monday's loss to Philadelphia.

Also yesterday, running back-kickoff returner Nick Goings missed practice and was downgraded to doubtful with a shoulder injury.

Meantime, Panthers wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson was fined $5,000 by the league for throwing his helmet late in the fourth quarter of the team's loss to the Eagles.

· PATRIOTS: Linebacker Junior Seau, 37, out for the year after his third straight season-ending injury, said he plans to return next year for an 18th season.

Seau's season ended after he broke his arm against the Bears on Nov. 26.

· BRONCOS: Place kicker Jason Elam said his injured left hamstring feels much better and that he will play tomorrow against San Diego.

Middle linebacker Al Wilson, who injured his neck running into teammate Gerard Warren against Seattle last Sunday, said his status will depend on how he feels when he wakes up.

· COLTS: Safety Bob Sanders will be a game-time decision when Indianapolis looks to clinch its fourth straight division title in its game at Jacksonville.

He has been bothered by soreness, stiffness and swelling in his right knee since having arthroscopic surgery in September.

· VIKINGS: Running back Chester Taylor's bruised ribs left him doubtful for tomorrow's game against Detroit.

· COWBOYS: Dallas claimed veteran safety Tony Parrish off waivers from the San Francisco 49ers and released rookie kick returner Skyler Green.

· COURTS: Bengals rookie wide receiver Reggie McNeal faces a drug charge stemming from his arrest earlier this week outside a Houston nightclub.

McNeal had a cigarette that contained an antihistamine that is sometimes used as a sedative, Houston police spokesman Gabe Ortiz said. . . .

Lions safety Kenoy Kennedy has pleaded guilty to drunken driving stemming from a traffic stop in suburban Detroit.