Orlovsky out (fractured hand) Culp in

[Hostile]

Journeyman money. Whoop dee doo.

 

[Nors]

Culpepper is likely to start again at Carolina, but Stanton likely will see some game action.
John Niyo / The Detroit News
ALLEN PARK -- Drew Stanton was sacked five times in his first full quarter of NFL regular-season action.

That didn't go unnoticed as Lions coaches evaluated the play of the quarterbacks -- Stanton and newly-signed free agent Daunte Culpepper -- after Sunday's 38-14 loss to Jacksonville.

Coach Rod Marinelli said he's "very encouraged" by what he saw from both quarterbacks, given the crash course they went through to get ready to play Sunday with starter Dan Orlovsky out because of a thumb injury. Marinelli also said Monday "they'll make a good jump this week in terms of improving" with a full week of practice.

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Culpepper remains the likely starter this week -- Marinelli won't make an official announcement -- but just what Stanton's role will be at Carolina (7-2) is unclear. Stanton, a second-year backup, handled the goal-line offense Sunday, and then played the entire fourth quarter after the Jaguars went ahead 38-7. Stanton finished 6-of-8 for 94 yards and a touchdown, but also had trouble avoiding negative-yardage plays.

"Sometimes you just have to get it out there or throw it away," Marinelli said. "He's a guy that will fight every snap, too -- that's what you love about him. He'll try to make something happen."

Even if his role doesn't expand, Stanton could keep the goal-line duties. When pressed about that Monday, Marinelli said, "There wouldn't be a reason not to (continue), no."

As for Culpepper, Marinelli said, "His presence is really good, his leadership. He's got the arm. So now it's just about having another week and going out and doing it."

Injury report
The Lions' injury list is growing right along with their losing streak. Starting defensive ends Jared DeVries and Dewayne White both are expected to miss Sunday's game at Carolina.

White was awaiting ultrasound results on a strained calf muscle -- he wore a protective boot to keep his left leg immobilized -- while DeVries will have surgery today to repair a fractured bone in his left hand.

Both injuries occurred in the first half against Jacksonville.

"I made a fist and I could hear it crunching in there," said DeVries, who said he'll have two screws inserted.

Rookie Cliff Avril will start in place of White, while Ikaika Alama-Francis would replace DeVries. Corey Smith , who had the Lions' lone sack Sunday, also will see an expanded role, along with rookie Andre Fluellen .

The Lions already are without starting center Dominic Raiola , who planned to see a specialist Monday about his fractured right thumb. Quarterback Dan Orlovsky , out because of two fractures and a torn ligament in the thumb on his right (throwing) hand, also was scheduled to visit another specialist Monday.

 

[TellerMorrow34]

I think they go O Line first I liked Stanton in college so I may be bias but I think he could be successful at this level. There's a ridiculous good OT in the draft and they would be stoopid not to draft him.

That might be. I could see that happening and I agree with you it would be a good pick.

Too bad - Orlovsky so greater than Brad Johnson. Laughable to even try and argue that -

My grandmother is better than Brad Johnson. That's not much of an accomplishment.

On the bright side I know a high school QB whose already better than Big O though. So that's not saying much either.

Our offense would look the same under Orlovsky as it did under Brad.

Now that I do disagree with. We'd score at least 7 more points a game with Big O and we'd have given the other team at least 2 more points as well.