ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- Quarterback Daunte Culpepper has been ruled out of playing in the Detroit Lions' preseason finale Thursday night against the Buffalo Bills because of a foot injury.
First-round draft pick Matthew Stafford, who's competing with Culpepper for the No. 1 job, already had been slated to start the game. Culpepper would have been the backup, but he cut the top of his foot at home Saturday.
Stafford is scheduled to take about 25 snaps before being replaced by Brooks Bollinger, who was signed Tuesday after third-stringer Drew Stanton required knee surgery.
The Lions also will rest starting running back Kevin Smith, cornerback Phillip Buchanon and linebacker Ernie Sims.
The Bills will rest starting quarterback Trent Edwards, wide receivers Terrell Owens and Lee Evans and their entire starting defense.
Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press