By Tony Moss, NFL Editor -- (Sports Network) - An extended period of play from quarterback Jake Delhomme should dominate the headlines from Lincoln Financial Field on Thursday night, when the Carolina Panthers visit the Philadelphia Eagles in the second preseason contest for each team.

Delhomme, who missed 13 games after undergoing Tommy John surgery to repair his throwing elbow last season, played sparingly in the Panthers' 23-20 overtime win over the Colts last Saturday.

The 33-year-old veteran was permitted to throw just one pass (which fell incomplete) during two series of play, hardly alleviating the doubts of observers questioning whether Delhomme can fully recover from the procedure. Only two other quarterbacks in NFL history - Craig Erickson and Rob Johnson - have returned to the field following Tommy John surgery.

In the win over the Colts, inexperienced backups Matt Moore (7-of-14, 107 yards), Brett Basanez (7-of-9, 54 yards, 1 INT) and Lester Ricard (6-of-12, 85 yards) did most of the quarterbacking for Carolina.

Whoever takes the snaps is unlikely to have the services of top receiver Steve Smith on Thursday night. Smith, who was involved in a much-publicized physical altercation with Ken Lucas earlier in training camp, suffered a concussion against the Colts.

Lucas, who underwent surgery to repair a broken nose suffered in the fight with Smith, did not play against Indianapolis and is not expected to be available for the Philadelphia game.

Defensive tackle Ian Scott (knee), wide receivers D.J. Hackett (toe) and Ryne Robinson (knee), safety Chris Harris (groin) and cornerback Chris Gamble (hamstring) are among the other Carolina notables unlikely to see action.

The Eagles, meanwhile, will be seeking their first taste of the win column after dropping their preseason opener, 16-10, in Pittsburgh last Friday.

Quarterback Donovan McNabb (10-of-13, 97 yards, 1 TD) looked sharp before exiting the game in the first half, delivering the team's only touchdown of the game on a three-yard pass to fullback Jason Davis in the second quarter.

Rookie wideout DeSean Jackson was another of the Philly stars, as the second- round draft choice out of California recorded game-highs with five catches for 51 yards.

On the injury front for the Eagles, cornerback Asante Samuel (hamstring) is expected to see his first action of the preseason, and running back Brian Westbrook should play after being held out for precautionary reasons against the Steelers.

Pro Bowl guard Shawn Andrews, who recently returned to the team after reportedly suffering from depression, will not play against Carolina.

The Eagles hold a 1-0 lead in the all-time preseason series with the Panthers, with that win coming in 27-10 fashion at Lincoln Financial Field prior to last season.