With three games left in the season, the Lions are not just playing for pride. They are playing to win, according to coach Jim Schwartz.

Their next test is Sunday when they host the Arizona Cardinals at Ford Field. Playing to win is admirable, but it’s going to be tough if they are without two key rookies.

Quarterback Matthew Stafford is unlikely to play. He’ll probably continue to rest and treat his separated left shoulder. He’ll be replaced by veteran Daunte Culpepper who is 0-3 this season when starting. In his last two starts the Lions have been outscored 74-3. Of course that’s not all Culpepper’s fault, but he hasn’t been able to get the offense to move.

Safety Louis Delmas is still questionable for Sunday. He didn’t practice on Wednesday after spraining an ankle in the loss at Baltimore. The rookie safety has much to learn, but he has been one of the highlights of the Lions’ defense this season. The secondary is much better with him than without him.
— PAULA PASCHE