Charlotte, NC (My Sportsbook) - Despite being benched in the second half of last week's 41-0 loss to Atlanta, Rodney Peete will remain the starting quarterback for the Carolina Panthers this Sunday at Cleveland.

Panthers head coach John Fox said while the 36-year-old Peete will start despite an injured finger, he still hasn't decided if Chris Weinke or rookie Randy Fasani will be the backup. That will be a game-time decision for the 3-8 Panthers.

"He gives us the best opportunity to win," Fox said of Peete. "We have been competitive in nine out of 11 games. I think he has been a big part of that. Here as of late, I don't think anybody on offense has helped that matter, not just the quarterback. We are attacking these five games to win. It is not anything about getting anybody ready for the future. We think our future is to win now."

Peete, a 14-year NFL veteran, was sidelined earlier this season after having arthroscopic surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee. He has completed 143-of-243 passes for 1,728 yards with eight touchdowns and 10 interceptions this season.