By Tony Moss, NFL Editor -- (Sports Network) - No player will be under more scrutiny at Bank of America Stadium on Saturday night than Carolina Panthers quarterback Jake Delhomme, who will put his surgically-repaired right elbow to the test in a preseason matchup with the Indianapolis Colts.

Delhomme missed the final 13 games of 2007 after suffering a season-ending injury to his throwing elbow against the Atlanta Falcons last Sept. 23rd. The veteran subsequently underwent Tommy John surgery on Oct. 18th, joining Rob Johnson and Craig Erickson as the only NFL quarterbacks to undergo the procedure.

The nature of the injury, coupled with the fact that the Panthers lack an experienced backup quarterback, will help put Delhomme firmly in the spotlight against the Colts.

Backups Matt Moore, Brett Basanez, and Lester Ricard are expected to follow Delhomme in the lineup.

Unlikely to work with the starters are wide receiver Steve Smith and cornerback Ken Lucas, who were involved in a highly-publicized practice field altercation last week. Lucas suffered a broken nose in the helmet-free fracas and is expected to miss 2-3 weeks, while the Pro Bowler Smith, who was subsequently suspended for two regular season games for his role in the fight, is nursing a sore ankle.

Meanwhile, as the Panthers welcome the return of the their quarterback, the Colts will once again work without their own franchise QB.

Peyton Manning is expected to miss at least two more preseason games after undergoing minor knee surgery last month, meaning Jim Sorgi will open with the Indianapolis starters for a second straight game.

In last Sunday's Hall of Fame Game loss to the Redskins, Sorgi was 7-of-10 passing for 66 yards before yielding to backups Quinn Gray and Jared Lorenzen.

Lorenzen (12-of-21, 93 yards, 1 INT against the Redskins) is slated to succeed Sorgi in the lineup on Saturday, followed by Gray (10-of-19, 160 yards, 1 TD).

Also expected to see some limited time is wide receiver Marvin Harrison, who has been cleared to play against the Panthers after missing most of the 2007 season with knee problems.

Linebacker Gary Brackett (groin) should also make his initial appearance of the 2008 preseason after being held out versus the Redskins.

In addition to Manning, defensive end Dwight Freeney (foot) and safety Bob Sanders (shoulder) will be among the notables not able to appear for Indianapolis.

The Colts and Panthers will be meeting in preseason play for the first time.

Indianapolis was a 31-7 winner when it traveled to Carolina for a meaningful contest last Oct. 28th.