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Redskins' Grossman spent Panthers game hooked up to IV

It goes without saying that Rex Grossman wants another shot at the starting quarterback role in Washington, but it's probably a good thing that didn't materialize Sunday.

While the Redskins were being handled by the Carolina Panthers, Grossman watched the game on TV from the locker room, hooked up to an IV to treat a case of pneumonia and fever.

He could have relieved starter John Beck if disaster struck during the Redskins' 33-20 loss, but with that threat out of the way, Grossman was hospitalized Monday for a likely 48-hour stay, according to The Washington Post.

"He's in there today, we'll keep him in tomorrow, hopefully have him back Wednesday or Thursday," Redskins coach Mike Shanahan told the newspaper.

The team's only other option is the mysterious practice-squad arm of Jonathan Crompton, so it might sign another passer if Grossman isn't ready.

In the end, Grossman's illness means Beck would have played whether or not Shanahan engineered last week's quarterback switch. But it's clear the coach is sold (for now) on having Grossman sit. Shanny said he was "" against the Panthers, suggesting that the team's fourth starter in three seasons might be here to stay.