Delhomme downgraded; 4 Bucs questionable

Here's the latest on the injury front heading into Sunday's game at Carolina:

The Panthers have downgraded quarterback Jake Delhomme (who, by the way, is 7-1 against the Bucs) to doubtful on the injury report. That almost seals it as to whether he will play on Sunday. Teams who list a player as doubtful then play him are subject to a fine under the revamped injury-reporting guidelines.

For the Bucs, receiver Ike Hilliard (ankle), defensive ends Greg Spires (ankle) and Patrick Chukwurah (knee) and cornerback Brian Kelly (groin) are questionable. It's expected Hilliard, Spires and Kelly will attempt to play, while it seems less certain that Chukwurah will make his first appearance of the season.