"Drew Stanton got the call at halftime of Sunday's loss to the Cardinals when coach Jim Schwartz told him he'd replace Daunte Culpepper at quarterback.

Now the former Michigan State standout will wait for the call he's been waiting three years to hear: That he'll start an NFL game for the first time his career next week at San Francisco.

Schwartz wouldn't tip his hand about that decision immediately after Sunday's 31-24 loss to Arizona. But if Matthew Stafford remains sidelined by a left shoulder injury -- and Schwartz offered no hints to the contrary Sunday -- Stanton seems likely to get the nod.

"I learned a long time ago that a lot of stuff is out of my control," said Stanton, who was 10-of-19 for 72 yards with an interception and scored a touchdown on a 1-yard dive as the Lions rallied from a 17-0 deficit. "I'll be ready to start in San Francisco; whether or not I'm called on is another story."

Culpepper's fourth start of the season was the same old story. He was benched after going 6-for-12 for 64 yards, throwing an interception and getting sacked twice. In his last three starts, the Lions have been outscored 88-3 while Culpepper was in the game."