Lions may start Culpepper days after signing the 'retired' QB

ALLEN PARK, Mich. -- The Detroit Lions tried to be coy about how much Daunte Culpepper practiced Wednesday and whether their new quarterback will play just days after signing.

In the locker room, though, it seemed obvious Culpepper is expected to make his Lions debut against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

"We're throwing him in the fire right away," captain Cory Redding said. "I feel like it's something he can handle because he's been in this league long enough. It's like riding a bike."

Coach Rod Marinelli and Culpepper declined to reveal how the first-string snaps were shared between the former star and second-year pro Drew Stanton.

But wide receiver Shaun McDonald provided at least a hint.

"It was pretty even," McDonald said when asked how the repetitions were divided. "Daunte might've had a little bit more."

Culpepper arrived in the Detroit area on Monday, was given a playbook when he signed a two-year deal Tuesday and then practiced the next day for the first time this year.

"I'm like a sponge right now, trying to absorb it all," he said.

Culpepper may make his Detroit debut in haste because Dan Orlovsky's injured right hand is severe enough to be covered by a soft cast and examined by a specialist and the team does not seem to be confident in Stanton.

Orlovsky, who started the previous four games, said he had "no idea" whether he could be ready to play this week.

Orton may return

Relieved that his right ankle is just sprained, quarterback Kyle Orton hopes to play this week against unbeaten Tennessee.

"I'm certainly not ruling out anything," Orton said. "I don't know exactly what the timetable's going to be, but I just feel if I keep on making improvement, I certainly can't rule out this week."

Several reports said Orton could miss up to a month with a high ankle sprain after he left Sunday's 27-23 victory over the Detroit Lions on a cart in the closing minute of the first half, but tests showed no fractures or tears. And he's seeing improvement each day.

"It's been a good couple days," said Orton, wearing a protective sleeve on his foot.

Tyree placed on IR

Super Bowl star David Tyree was told by the New York Giants that there will be no catches this year.

Tyree, who made "The Catch" in New York's Super Bowl victory over the Patriots in February, was placed on injured reserve by the Giants on Wednesday. The move was made after Tyree ran out of time trying to get back on the field following offseason knee surgery and then a hamstring injury.

-- The Associated Press