"The Carolina Panthers already know they'll have a new quarterback Sunday against Tampa Bay, but they're hoping they don't have to play without their leading rusher and second-leading receiver, too.

Running back DeAngelo Williams was held out of practice Thursday for the second straight day because of an ankle injury, and receiver Muhsin Muhammad also didn't practice after participating on a limited basis Wednesday.

Muhammad said he expects to play, but Williams wasn't available.

Coach John Fox said the team's medical staff felt like it was best for Williams to get medical treatment Thursday, but that he's hopeful Williams can play Sunday and perhaps practice before then.

"There's always tomorrow," said Fox. "I'd say it's fair to say with our leading rusher, I'd be hopeful he'd be able to go Sunday, for sure. Anything before that I'd be happy with, too."

Williams is the NFL's fourth-leading rusher with 1,022 yards and has a team-high seven touchdowns. Muhammad ranks second behind Steve Smith on the team with 34 catches for 339 yards.

Also sitting out practice Thursday were quarterback Jake Delhomme (broken finger), receiver Dwayne Jarrett (ankle), defensive end Charles Johnson (pectoral), defensive tackle Tank Tyler (knee), and cornerback Captain Munnerlyn (concussion)."