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One thing you can count on with the Detroit Lions is that they are never, ever boring. Follow the latest news including injuries, roster moves and more here daily from Oakland Press beat writer Paula Pasche. Plus you'll find regular commentary about the team.

10/11/2009

Stafford won't start

Finally an answer to the will-he-or-won't-he question that's plagued the Lions all week: Matthew Stafford will not start today's game against the Steelers.

Of the game-time decisions, this one is the least surprising. Stafford hurt his knee on a sack in the fourth quarter of last Sunday's loss to the Bears, and did not practice until Friday, waiting for the swelling to go down. While Monday's tests showed there was no structural damage to the knee, the Lions remained mum on the issue until putting out the list of Sunday's starters and lineup changes, which had the No. 1 overall draft pick listed as the third (emergency) quarterback.

In other lineup news, veteran Jon Jansen will start at right tackle in place of Gosder Cherilus, helping protect Stafford's replacement, Daunte Culpepper. Waiver-wire acquisition Turk McBride, who'd been deemed "not ready" to contribute so far this season, will start in place of Dewayne White at defensive end. Landon Cohen will start at defensive tackle for nicked-up rookie Sammie Hill. Hill, White and Ko Simpson (who started at safety last week against the Bears) are all on the inactive list.

For the Steelers, Tyrone Carter gets the start for Troy Polamalu, who'd been expected to return from his knee injury. Polamalu is inactive, along with starting running back Willie Parker and former Lion Shaun McDonald.

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