Daunte Culpepper News: Pro Sports Daily

Matthew Stafford returns to practice, Calvin Johnson sits out

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October 27

Michigan Live

"Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford returned to practice today while receiver Calvin Johnson did not participate. Stafford took snaps in the No. 1 rotation during individual drills; the media is not allowed to watch any team drills during the workout. Stafford's status for Sunday's game against the St. Louis Rams won't be better known until Wednesday when team officials will see if there's any swelling in Stafford's knee. If there's swelling, Stafford will likely be out for Sunday's game. If there is no swelling, Stafford will continue to practice and a decision on whether he'll start will probably be made later in the week. During his reps today, Stafford had mobility, but didn't ..."

Schwartz won't make decision on Matthew Stafford until Sunday

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October 14

Detroit News

"The Lions returned to practice Wednesday morning in preparation for Sunday's game at Green Bay -- and so did quarterback Matthew Stafford. The Lions' rookie No. 1 overall pick took some snaps along with Daunte Culpepper and Drew Stanton during the early portion of drills that were open to the media. Stafford missed last week's game against Pittsburgh after suffering a partially dislocated right kneecap in an Oct. 4 loss at Chicago. Coach Jim Schwartz said Monday he wouldn't rule out Stafford playing against the Packers, even if he wasn't a full participant in practice Wednesday. He plans to keep Stafford's status up in the air until Sunday. "I think the decision is how well he can move ..."

Steelers rush hounds Daunte Culpepper all game

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October 12

Detroit News

"The Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers showed Daunte Culpepper he would be pressured heavily from the Lions' opening play Sunday afternoon at Ford Field. Culpepper, who made his first start of the season filling in for rookie Matthew Stafford, was thrown to the turf on his first play by Steelers' linebacker James Harrison. Harrison consistently harassed Culpepper, collecting three of Pittsburgh's seven sacks during the Steelers' 28-20 victory. The Steelers ended Culpepper's comeback bid, sacking him four times on the Lions' final drive, including three straight after he advanced them to Pittsburgh's 21 in the final minutes. Culpepper's fourth-down pass from the 45 was batted away ..."

Lions' Culpepper to start at QB against Steelers

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October 11

Detroit Free Press

"Daunte Culpepper will start at quarterback for the Lions today against Pittsburgh. Drew Stanton will be the backup. Matthew Stafford, who has an injured right knee, will be listed as the third quarterback. Jon Jansen will start at right tackle for Gosder Cherilus, out with a shoulder injury. Turk McBride will start at defensive end for Dewayne White, out with a hamstring injury. This will be the first action for McBride, whom the Lions claimed off waivers from Kansas City. McBride had to put on weight to play defensive end, because he had lost some to try outside linebacker for the Chiefs."

Stafford practices, Daunte Culpepper says he's ready

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October 10

Detroit News

"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 ..."

Culpepper likely to start on Sunday

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October 9

Detroit Free Press

"Daunte Culpepper appears likely to start at quarterback for the Lions on Sunday against Pittsburgh. Matthew Stafford did not practice again today because of a right knee injury and said he hasn't been running. "They really haven't had me doing too much," Stafford said. "They're just trying to get the swelling out and all that." Coach Jim Schwartz declined to give anon Stafford, saying only that the official injury report would be available at 4 p.m., when the NFL requires teams to list players' participation in practice. Culpepper declined to talk to reporters, as he generally has all year. "I have nothing to say until something changes from my perspective," Culpepper said. Stafford spoke ..."

Lions O-coordinator: Don't underestimate QB Culpepper

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October 9

Detroit Free Press

"If Daunte Culpepper plays quarterback Sunday against Pittsburgh instead of the injured Matthew Stafford, will the Lions' offense be more conservative? Culpepper made fewer mistakes than Stafford in the exhibition season but still lost the QB competition. He didn't make as many big plays as Stafford, the No. 1 pick in the draft. "I think Daunte played the preseason exactly how we wanted him to play," offensive coordinator Scott Linehan said Thursday. "He was very efficient, did a lot of things, wasn't doing things that were going to hinder or hurt us, and he was playing winning football." Culpepper didn't throw an interception in three exhibitions; Stafford threw four interceptions in four ..."

Steelers preparing for Stafford, not Culpepper

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October 7

Detroit Free Press

"The Steelers expect to face Detroit Lions rookie quarterback Matthew Stafford on Sunday at Ford Field -- or at least they want the Lions to think that. Stafford has a right knee injury and did not practice today. "Mainly, I've been watching film on Stafford more right now, because I feel like he's going to play," Steelers linebacker LaMarr Woodley (Michigan) said today on a conference call with Detroit reporters. "I'll check out the other quarterback after practice today." Why does Woodley think Stafford will play? "I just believe he is," Woodley said. Woodley said the Steelers are operating that way as a team. Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said the same thing, saying he was basing it on ..."

Lions' Schwartz: Stafford is day-to-day with injury

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October 5

Detroit Free Press

"Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford is day-to-day with a knee injury, coach Jim Schwartz said today. Schwartz declined to comment on reports that Stafford suffered a dislocated kneecap during Sunday's 48-24 loss at Chicago. He said only that Stafford had completed medical testing and the Lions would know more about his status when they resume practicing Wednesday. Asked whether Stafford needed to practice by Wednesday or Thursday to play Sunday against Pittsburgh, Schwartz said he would not place a deadline on it. Schwartz also said Derrick Williams will take over kickoff returns from fellow rookie Aaron Brown, who has struggled the past three games. Williams, a third-round pick, ..."

Stafford upbeat after tough debut

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September 14

New Orleans Times-Picayune

"In his first regular-season NFL game, Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford's passes were too high, too low, too long and too wide. It wasn't quite the performance the No. 1 overall draft pick envisioned for his debut against the Saints at the Superdome on Sunday. Stafford was far too erratic, missing open receivers and throwing three interceptions as the Saints overpowered the Lions 45-27. "It was tough," Stafford said. "Playing from behind is never easy. That's on us as an offense and me as the quarterback, the leader of the offense. "I made some mistakes. We all did as an offense, but I'll just learn from it and try to come back and get ready for next week." Stafford, who won ..."

Culpepper backs Lions QB choice

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September 9

Detroit Free Press

"Lions backup quarterback Daunte Culpepper, who declined interview requests Monday to discuss Matthew Stafford's being named the starter, issued a written statement through the team Tuesday in support of Stafford and coach Jim Schwartz's decision. "Now that the debate is over and the decision has been made regarding the starting quarterback in Detroit, I would like to make the following statement today so that tomorrow I can put all of my energy into helping our team prepare for our opponent," Culpepper said in the statement. Culpepper said he restructured the year left on his contract because he would have a chance to vie for the starting job and said he was "excited" when the Lions ..."

Lions' Daunte Culpepper says he'll support Matthew Stafford

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September 8

Detroit News

"Daunte Culpepper declined to speak with the media Monday after coach Jim Schwartz announced rookie Matthew Stafford would be the team's starting quarterback. But Culpepper released a statement Tuesday -- the players' off day -- to share his thoughts on his role with the team. "Now that the debate is over and the decision has been made regarding the starting quarterback in Detroit, I would like to make the following statement today so that tomorrow I can put all of my energy into helping our team prepare for our opponent," Culpepper said in a statement released by the team. "The reason I agreed to restructure my contract in order to stay in Detroit was because I knew that I would have a ..."

Trade Culpepper? Lions might miss him too much

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September 8

Detroit Free Press

"Now that coach Jim Schwartz has named rookie Matthew Stafford the starting quarterback, could the Lions trade veteran Daunte Culpepper? Has Culpepper, who acts as his own agent, communicated a desire to play elsewhere? Schwartz said Monday he would keep his conversations with Culpepper private, but he said he was happy with the quarterback position. "I think it's going to be a strength on our team, and I don't think that we're in a position of getting rid of good players," Schwartz said. Culpepper declined to speak to reporters Monday, when he returned to practice after sitting out last week with a cut foot. But the last time he spoke publicly, after the Aug. 29 exhibition against ..."

Stafford to start at QB in Lions season opener

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September 7

Detroit Free Press

"Matthew Stafford, the No. 1 pick in the NFL draft, will start at quarterback in the Lions' season opener Sunday at New Orleans. Coach Jim Schwartz made the announcement to the team and media today at Lions headquarters. Stafford beat out rejuvenated veteran Daunte Culpepper for the job. Stafford threw an interception in each of the Lions' four exhibitions. Culpepper did not throw an interception in any of the three exhibitions in which he played. But Stafford made more big plays, showed off his strong arm and proved to the coaches he had command of the offense. While saying Culpepper was back to his old form and would start again in the NFL, Schwartz made it clear he was willing to ride ..."

Schwartz: Stafford gets start in Lions season opener at New Orleans

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September 7

Detroit News

"It's the kid's turn first, and perhaps for good. Lions coach Jim Schwartz ended the suspense after practice Monday, announcing that rookie Matthew Stafford, the team's No. 1 overall draft pick, will start at quarterback in the season opener Sunday at New Orleans. Stafford and veteran Daunte Culpepper were locked in a battle for the No. 1 job throughout the offseason and training camp. "I was very pleased with what (Stafford) did in the preseason, going back to rookie minicamp and straight through," Schwartz said. "I think he's proven every step along the way that he's ready." Schwartz was asked Monday if he was committed to weathering the bumpy road with a rookie starting quarterback this ..."

Schwartz mum on if Culpepper or Stafford will start

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September 7

Detroit Free Press

"This week, the question Lions fans have been asking since April's NFL draft will be answered: Who will start at quarterback in Sunday's season opener at New Orleans? Will it be No. 1 overall pick Matthew Stafford or rejuvenated three-time Pro Bowler Daunte Culpepper? Coach Jim Schwartz has protected the identity of the starter and said he could wait until Friday to make an announcement. There could be some indication Wednesday when the quarterbacks' practice time is allocated among the first-string offense. Stafford has made impressive throws but also threw an interception in each of his four exhibition games. Culpepper missed the final exhibition while nursing a cut foot, but Schwartz ..."

Lions aren't ruling out Culpepper vs. Bills

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September 2

Detroit Free Press

"Lions coach Jim Schwartz said today he still has not ruled out quarterback Daunte Culpepper for the exhibition finale Thursday night at Buffalo. Schwartz said Matthew Stafford will start and play about a quarter and a half, regardless of whether Culpepper plays. Culpepper has an eight-stitch cut on the bottom of his foot. Why even consider playing Culpepper in the fourth exhibition when he's hurt and hasn't practiced this week? Schwartz said the Lions weren't game-planning for the Bills, just running the same stuff Culpepper has run since the start of training camp, so preparation shouldn't be a problem. And the injury isn't orthopedic. Schwarz said it was just a pain issue and the doctors ..."

Daunte Culpepper, Matthew Stafford will get equal time vs. Colts

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August 27

Detroit News

"Jim Schwartz won't announce his starting quarterback for Saturday's preseason game against the Indianapolis Colts until Friday. But after Thursday's practice, the Lions coach did say he'll give both Daunte Culpepper and Matthew Stafford equal time on the field -- and likely with the starting receivers as well. Calvin Johnson and Bryant Johnson both will make their preseason debut Saturday against the Colts, and Schwartz said the plan is to rotate receivers in and out of the game with "a lot of the players going into the third quarter.""

Daunte Culpepper: 'I'm going to do my part' to help Lions

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August 20

Detroit News

"Lions quarterback Daunte Culpepper has politely avoided most interview requests during the preseason, but he talked to Sirius NFL Radio on Wednesday as afternoon hosts Vic Carucci and Gil Brandt visited Allen Park. Here's some excerpts of his interview: On the quarterback competition with rookie No. 1 pick Matthew Stafford: "The thing is, that's the NFL, that's how it goes, that's the business of it and I knew that it was a good chance that they were going to draft him. So, I look at it like this: At one point, I was a rookie coming into the league and we had veteran guys in front of me when I came in. So I look at it like it's all about this year, what we're going to do to be the best ..."

Lions tap Culpepper to start against Falcons

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August 14

Detroit Free Press

"Lions coach Jim Schwartz announced today the quarterback rotation for Saturday's exhibition opener against Atlanta. Daunte Culpepper will start. Matthew Stafford likely will take over sometime in the second quarter, Drew Stanton likely sometime in the second half. Schwartz said Culpepper and Stafford, the No. 1 pick in the NFL draft, likely will switch spots in the second exhibition, Aug. 22 at Cleveland. The third exhibition is generally the biggest dress rehearsal for the regular season. But asked if who starts Aug. 29 against Indianapolis would be most meaningful, Schwartz said it was too early to read into anything. Stafford continued to be nonchalant about his first appearance in an ..."

Lions GM: Culpepper would start now

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May 4

Detroit Free Press

"After three days of rookie minicamp, Lions coach Jim Schwartz would not rank quarterback Matthew Stafford's position on the depth chart. Stafford said he didn't know where he ranked and was more interested in improving. But general manager Martin Mayhew, though noting it is early in the off-season, conceded that veteran quarterback Daunte Culpepper would be considered the starter right now. "He's a pro, and I trust Daunte," Mayhew said. "He's got a lot of ability, and I anticipate that if we had something to do today, Daunte would be the guy today. But we've got a lot of time to work, and we'll see how it goes." The rookies will get a break and join the full team May 18. Schwartz said at ..."

Has slimmer QB Culpepper found fountain of youth?

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April 18

Detroit Free Press

"Matthew Stafford isn't the only quarterback prospect the Lions are considering before next weekend's NFL draft. "I feel like I'm kind of coming out in the draft again, believe it or not," Daunte Culpepper said Friday after the first practice of a three-day mandatory minicamp. "It's kind of like, hey, it's the beginning again. I feel like my rookie year again. I'm excited." Culpepper, 32, said his health and conditioning hadn't been this good since probably 2004. That was the last time he played well, passing for 4,717 yards, 39 touchdowns, 11 interceptions and a 110.9 rating for Minnesota. That was the last time he played under Scott Linehan, who is his offensive coordinator again. When ..."

Lions teammates report QB Culpepper has been working out

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March 18

Detroit Free Press

"We haven't seen Lions quarterback Daunte Culpepper yet. But by all accounts, he looks different than he did last season. "He looks like a new man," center Dominic Raiola said today. "He looks brand-new. The guy's really taken this re-signing serious and this job serious, his job at the quarterback position serious. He looks like he's in great shape." Culpepper came out of retirement and signed with the Lions in early November. He weighed more than 290 pounds, though he is listed at 260. Raiola said Culpepper has lost "at least 20 pounds, but it's not like he lost muscle. It looks like he's been working." Wide receiver Calvin Johnson said: "I'm positive that Daunte this off-season took ..."

Lions' Daunte Culpepper restructures contract; Jason Hanson inks four-year deal

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February 17

Michigan Live

"Detroit Lions quarterback Daunte Culpepper has restructured his contract but it remains a one-year deal. Culpepper no longer has a roster bonus scheduled for Feb. 27 but there is believed to be a roster bonus at some point in the off-season or training camp. Also, kicker Jason Hanson, who would've been hit with the franchise tag on Thursday, has signed a four-year contract. Lions president Tom Lewand said the team has no plans on using the franchise or transition tag on any other player. The restructuring of Culpepper's contract would seem to put him in the mix for the starting job, but Lewand and head coach Jim Schwartz both said today that no decisions have been made. Lewand also said ..."

Daunte Culpepper too costly for Lions to keep

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February 16

Detroit Free Press

"Reportedly, former Lions wide receiver Mike Furrey said an ex-teammate told him Daunte Culpepper will be the team's starting quarterback. If true, do you agree with the early decision?

It sounds more and more like this is just a rumor and the jury is still out on Culpepper. But the jury will have to render a verdict pretty soon. With $2.5 million due Culpepper in March (in the form of a roster bonus), Martin Mayhew and Jim Schwartz clearly must make a call in the coming days. So in that sense, I have no issue with making an early decision. The debate is on as to whether or not the Lions should take Matthew Stafford with the No. 1 pick. My personal feeling is, they shouldn't. They need ..."

New Lions OC Linehan a fan of Daunte Culpepper

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January 29

Detroit Free Press

"As of early Wednesday afternoon, Lions offensive coordinator Scott Linehan had watched the first 14 games his new team played in 2008. He still had two games left to complete the 0-16 horror movie marathon. Linehan said it was too early to draw conclusions about most players, including quarterback Daunte Culpepper, with whom he once had great success in Minnesota. But he praised wide receiver Calvin Johnson and running back Kevin Smith, said he could count on offensive linemen Dominic Raiola, Jeff Backus and Gosder Cherilus, and talked a little about what the Lions' offense will look like. Linehan, fired as St. Louis' coach four games into the 2008 season, turned down San Francisco's ..."

Culpepper not '09 QB starter for Lions yet

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January 29

Detroit News

"Expecting Scott Linehan, the new offensive coordinator for the Lions, to name his starting quarterback after only five days on the job is about as reasonable, one could argue, as expecting Daunte Culpepper last November to make his first start for the Lions five days after signing with the team. And, well, that's worth noting as Linehan, who met with the local media for the first time Wednesday, sifts through the wreckage of last season's 0-16 game film and tries to assess what it is he's got to work with in Detroit. Linehan said he has spoken with three of the four quarterbacks signed through next season: Culpepper, Jon Kitna and Drew Stanton. Drew Henson is the other, with Dan ..."

Lions QB Daunte Culpepper is own toughest critic

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December 10

Detroit Free Press

"Lions quarterback Daunte Culpepper had his best game in three years Sunday, but it wasn't good enough to beat the Minnesota Vikings, his old team. Culpepper did just about everything but get a victory in his fifth start since he signed with the Lions as a free agent Nov. 3. He scrambled well, he connected with Calvin Johnson for a big touchdown, and he had his first game without a turnover. Culpepper also injured his shoulder late in the game. The results of an MRI exam, and his status for Sunday's game at Indianapolis, are unknown. Just as Culpepper seems to be getting up to speed, he hits a speed bump. Against the Vikings, Culpepper connected on 14 of 24 passes for 220 yards and a ..."

Daunte Culpepper gets MRI on shoulder

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December 9

Detroit Free Press

"The Lions' quarterback situation is uncertain as they prepare for Sunday's game at Indianapolis, trying to earn their first victory 14 games into the season. Daunte Culpepper went for an MRI exam Monday on his injured shoulder. As he was trying to heave a desperation pass late in Sunday's 20-16 loss to Minnesota, a defender caught his arm coming forward. "I want to see where Daunte is first," coach Rod Marinelli said at his weekly news conference. "We've got to see what that news is like, and then we've got to sit down tomorrow and look at all our options." Dan Orlovsky has missed five games with a broken right thumb. He felt a problem when he tried to throw last week. "I felt last week I ..."

Vikings just another team to Culpepper

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December 8

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"In the end, Daunte Culpep- per said it mattered little to him. The seven years, the 4,000-yard season and the three Pro Bowls with the Vikings added up to just another team -- 11 guys on the other side of the line of scrimmage wearing a vaguely familiar shade of purple. Now he wears the Honolulu blue and silver of the Detroit Lions. Culpepper, who also faced the Vikings last year with Oakland, insisted all week the Vikings were just another team, and he didn't change his tune after Sunday's 20-16 loss at Ford Field. "Other than me having friends over there, it doesn't matter to me," he said. "Once the game starts, they're not my friends. I'm trying to win the game. Now we're friends again. ..."

Win against Vikings would be sweet revenge for Lions' Daunte Culpepper

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December 6

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"As winter thawed to spring and spring gave way to summer, Daunte Culpepper stayed near his phone, hoping for a call, for an offer the free agent found suitable. The Pittsburgh Steelers and Green Bay Packers were interested, but Culpepper wasn't, and so in early September the former Vikings quarterback, 31 years old, announced his retirement. And suddenly, Culpepper said, his situation got interesting. "The whole offseason I was a free agent and my phone wasn't really ringing at all," Culpepper said. "The day I announced my retirement, I guess it was just timing or something, but my phone was ringing a lot." The call out of his brief retirement came from the hapless, winless Detroit Lions. ..."

Culpepper slips after good start

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November 24

Detroit News

"Grin, and bury them. That's what a successful team does in the NFL, according to Daunte Culpepper. But three weeks into his hurried tenure as the Lions' starting quarterback, Culpepper is learning a new trick: Grin, and bear it. Culpepper endured a third consecutive loss with the Lions on Sunday, and for the second straight week he contributed to it with a pair of critical turnovers. That's five in the last two games against Carolina and Tampa Bay for Culpepper, who was benched briefly in favor of Drew Stanton in Sunday's 38-20 loss. "It's easy to say I took a step back because of the interceptions, but I don't know. I have to look at the film," said Culpepper, who finished 8-of-20 for ..."

Culpepper back on short notice

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November 10

Detroit News

"For starters, it was a tough spot. But Daunte Culpepper knew that coming in -- especially after Dan Orlovsky (thumb) likely was lost for the season last week at Chicago -- and he insists he's far from finished after surviving a rocky debut. Five days after signing a free-agent deal, Culpepper was 5-of-10 for 104 yards and an interception in his first start in a Lions uniform. He sat out the fourth quarter as the Lions gave second-year backup Drew Stanton a chance with the game out of hand at 38-7. Stanton also handled the goal-line offense, as planned, after Culpepper got a crash course in learning the playbook this past week. Culpepper, a three-time Pro Bowler, threw an interception on ..."

Welcome to a new inferno, Daunte Culpepper

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November 6

Boston Herald

"America gets a new president. The Lions get a new quarterback. Quick. Which of these events happens every other week? Right you are! The Lions’ new quarterback is 31-year-old Daunte Culpepper, who, simply by signing a contract just became the most famous player on the team. That’s sad enough. He also became the biggest attraction on the team, the most recognizable name on the team and, to hear some people tell it, the best player on the team. He also may start Sunday’s game. Heck. By Monday, he could own Ford Field. "Any time you can really add a really good football player . . ." coach Rod Marinelli has told the media, "I don’t know how you close your eyes to a player like that." Well. ..."

Culpepper has first practice with Lions

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November 5

Detroit News

"Daunte Culpepper was in uniform on the field for his first practice Wednesday morning. But Dan Orlovsky, the quarterback he'll likely replace as the Lions' starter for the second half of this season, was not, watching instead as Culpepper and Drew Stanton took part in the individual position-group portion of practice. Orlovsky, who started the last four games after replacing Jon Kitna (injured reserve), still had a cast on his right (throwing) hand Wednesday, protecting a thumb injury -- suffered in Sunday's loss at Chicago -- that could sideline him indefinitely."

Culpepper expected to start at QB Sunday for Lions

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November 4

Detroit News

"The Lions' new quarterback, Daunte Culpepper, arrived at the team's practice facility early Monday afternoon -- and not a moment too soon, it appears. Culpepper, a veteran free agent who was expected to sign a two-year contract with the Lions after completing his physical Monday, likely will be the starting quarterback Sunday against Jacksonville at Ford Field. Dan Orlovsky, who started the last four games after replacing Jon Kitna, had a removable hard cast on his right (throwing) hand Monday, protecting a sprained thumb that could keep him out indefinitely. Center Dominic Raiola also might be out because of a possible broken hand. Orlovsky said X-rays ruled out a fracture in this ..."

Orlovsky injury might open door for Culpepper

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November 3

Detroit News

"The door was open for Daunte Culpepper -- figuratively, at least -- when he arrived at the Lions' practice facility Monday afternoon. The free-agent quarterback flew to Detroit on Monday to complete his physical and sign a new two-year contract with the Lions, a day after the team dropped to 0-8 with a 27-23 loss at Chicago. And when Culpepper joins his new teammates for his first practice Wednesday, he might be preparing as the Lions' No. 1 quarterback. Starter Dan Orlovsky wore a protective cast on his throwing hand Monday after suffering a sprained thumb on the first play of Sunday's game against the Bears. "There was pain -- I just don't think it affected me," said Orlovsky, adding ..."

Culpepper calls Lions 'best fit for me'

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November 3

Detroit News

"Daunte Culpepper sent an e-mail Monday morning before he boarded his flight from Florida bound for Detroit, where he'll sign a two-year contract to join the Lions as their newest quarterback. Culpepper, a three-time Pro Bowl quarterback in a nine-year NFL career, hasn't spoken publicly since visiting Allen Park last week for a workout with the Lions, now the league's lone winless team at 0-8 after Sunday's 27-23 loss at Chicago. Culpepper, 31, has been out of football since last winter, but two months after he announced his unofficial retirement from the NFL in early September, he said he intended to play again this season, citing "unfinished business." And after canceling a scheduled ..."

Lions' Marinelli confirms deal with Culpepper

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November 3

Detroit News

"Daunte Culpepper and the Detroit Lions have agreed on a contract, coach Rod Marinelli confirmed Sunday after the 27-23 loss to Chicago. Marinelli would not answer questions about the deal but did say it hinges on the results of a pending non-orthopedic physical. How much the 31-year-old Culpepper can provide remains to be seen. He planned to retire in December because he was frustrated over not finding work after a knee injury limited him with the Miami Dolphins in 2006 and Oakland Raiders in 2007. The three-time Pro Bowler worked out with the Lions during the week and apparently showed enough to land a spot with them."

Daunte Culpepper would make $7 million next season

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November 2

Detroit Free Press

"Free-agent quarterback Daunte Culpepper reportedly will sign a one-year contract with a team option for next year, giving the Lions a chance to look at him the rest of this season and the flexibility to part with him if things don't work out.

The Oakland Press reports that Culpepper will receive a prorated veteran's minimum salary this year and about $7 million next year."

Carl may want Daunte to save his marriage to Chiefs

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October 28

Kansas City Star

columnist Jason Whitlock

"This would be the worst kind of shotgun marriage. The two parties don't like each other, have zero interest in a long-term relationship and would prefer to end the season. Daunte Culpepper and the Chiefs may be contemplating exchanging wedding vows solely because no one else will have them. What's worse is their marriage could signal a delay in Clark Hunt's divorce from Carl Peterson. Yep. Here's another relationship analogy: Daunte Culpepper is potentially the baby Peterson hopes saves his dysfunctional, two-decade marriage to the Chiefs. With his team spiraling toward 1-15, Peterson could be prepared to acquiesce to Culpepper's demand for a two-year contract and a shot at being Kansas ..."

Chiefs encouraged by Thigpen, cancel meeting with Culpepper

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October 28

Kansas City Star

"Tyler Thigpen didn't realize just how much things had changed, how much he had changed, until he reviewed the video Monday. He saw himself throwing darts in the previous day's 28-24 Chiefs loss to the Jets at the Meadowlands. Absent were the balls sent zipping off to nowhere. In their place were on-target throws that frequently beat good coverage. One of the more vivid examples of Thigpen's dramatic improvement came on his 19-yard touchdown pass to Tony Gonzalez in the first quarter. Gonzalez was covered by both cornerback Dwight Lowery and linebacker Calvin Pace, but Thigpen's throw went where only Gonzalez could get it. That's the type of play, Thigpen only now realized, he couldn't have ..."

Is Culpepper next in line for Chiefs?

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October 21

Kansas City Star

"The search for some elusive stability at quarterback could lead the Chiefs to sign three-time Pro Bowler Daunte Culpepper. The Chiefs talked with Culpepper on Monday, a day after they lost Brodie Croyle for the season because of torn knee ligaments. Croyle was injured in the Chiefs' 34-10 loss to Tennessee at Arrowhead Stadium. A decision on whether the Chiefs would sign Culpepper did not appear imminent. A deal might not come until next week if one is reached at all. In the meantime, the Chiefs were preparing to bring former Tampa Bay quarterback Bruce Gradkowski to Kansas City today for a workout. Gradkowski played for St. Louis in a preseason game against the Chiefs in August at ..."

Culpepper probably will start

November 28

Denver Post

(scroll down)

"The Broncos likely will face Raiders quarterback Daunte Culpepper in Sunday's game. Culpepper helped the Raiders break a six-game losing streak with a win over Kansas City."

Culpepper, Raiders air it out

November 19

Sacramento Bee

"Having a big day at the Metrodome is nothing new for Daunte Culpepper. He still holds several Minnesota Vikings passing records, including most yards in a season (4,717 in 2004), and is third on the franchise's career list with 20,162 yards in seven seasons."

Culpepper's sheer will not enough for Oakland

November 19

San Francisco Chronicle

"Daunte Culpepper, the migrant quarterback who wears his silver and black uniform with dignity but knows he has no future in Oakland, did about all he could Sunday. Culpepper completed 23 of 39 passes for 344 yards, one touchdown and one interception inside his former Vikings' hangout, the Metrodome."

Not all the way back ... but he's getting there

November 19

Minneapolis Star Tribune

columnist Mark Craig

"Daunte Culpepper's competitiveness reached a new high Sunday when he challenged me to a foot race for suggesting the 'Daunte of old would have been long gone' on a key third-down scramble that came up short late in the fourth quarter of the Raiders' 29-22 loss to the Vikings."

Culpepper back at dome

November 18

Contra Costa Times

"Minnesota Vikings coach Brad Childress awoke this morning knowing Tarvaris Jackson and Brooks Bollinger are his most appealing options to start at quarterback today against the Raiders. He won't have to look far to see what could have been...That's right, Culpepper makes his first return to the place he called home for the first seven years of his career for a game against a team still seeking an adequate replacement for the three-time Pro Bowler."

Moss' departure left void for Culpepper

November 18

Minneapolis Star Tribune

columnist Sid Hartman

"The fact that Daunte Culpepper will start today for the Oakland Raiders at the Metrodome brought back memories of how high former Vikings coach Dennis Green was on the potential of the Central Florida quarterback before the 1999 draft."

Raiders give Culpepper another try

November 15

San Francisco Chronicle

"Raiders quarterback Daunte Culpepper upper-body-danced in place, lip-syncing and head-bobbing to the music from his iPod stereo system. Culpepper had everything to smile about at his locker Wednesday. He had just been renamed the starting quarterback, with Josh McCown going to the bench, in time to face another of his former employers."