"Matthew Stafford finally joined his teammates on the practice field Friday.

Daunte Culpepper finally talked to the media afterward.

And while no one -- least of all Lions coach Jim Schwartz -- will say which quarterback will start this week against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Culpepper still is expected to get the nod Sunday at Ford Field.

"Honestly, I just look at it like this: I prepare to play every week, no matter what the situation is," said Culpepper, speaking formally to reporters for the first time since Stafford, the rookie No. 1 overall draft pick, was named the team's starter prior to the regular season. "Still don't know what the status is of our starter. But like I said, I'm preparing to play every week."

This week's a little different, though, and Culpepper, who shed 30 pounds in the offseason and drew praise from the coaching staff throughout the competition for the No. 1 job, knows it -- even if he won't say it. A three-time Pro Bowler in his 10th NFL season, Culpepper spoke in the preseason about the importance of getting a chance to prove himself again as a starter in this league.

"I mean, if that was the case -- if that is gonna be the case -- then it's a great opportunity," Culpepper said of possibly starting Sunday's game. "But like I said, I'm gonna be ready to play, regardless, whenever -- however -- the situation unfolds. ...

"I have the same intensity mentally. You get a few extra reps here and there, but we still have to see what happens Sunday. But for myself, nothing has changed. That's why I didn't talk to you guys before. Still, nothing has changed. That's my approach.""