GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Jake Delhomme was taken to a local hospital after a hit to the chest, but a CT Scan was negative.

   Delhomme said he will play next week against New Orleans.

   "Oh yeah, definitely," Delhomme said when asked if he'll play next week. He said he has a chest contusion or "something like that."

   "Everything is good," Delhomme said.

   Delhomme left the game late in the third quarter for two plays after being hit by Arizona defensive lineman Darnell Dockett. He returned the next series, but then left the game for good after that. Matt Moore led the Panthers the rest of the way, although he only attempted one pass.

   "They hit me in a good spot," Delhomme said. "The adrenaline was going and the breath came back too and everything was fine. But I went out and when I tried to throw a pass to Steve (Smith) it dove on me. Just sitting on the sidelines I got a little chilly and weak. They were being very cautious and I went to the hospital from there."

   Delhomme said Dr. Robert Hyer, the team physician, was a little worried about Delhomme having a spleen issue like Tampa Bay quarterback Chris Simms did a few years ago.

   "(Dr. Hyer) kept saying, 'Be honest with me,'" Delhomme said. "And I know where he was coming from."

   Also, x-rays on fullback Brad Hoover's ankle showed no breaks. He does have a high ankle sprain and was walking with the aid of crutches, so it's possible Hoover could miss this week's game against New Orleans.