The Lions officially place quarterback Matthew Stafford on the injured reserve. They have signed quarterback Patrick Ramsey to take his place on the 53-man roster. Ramsey will wear No. 14.

Ramsey has played for three teams, most notably the Redskins, where he started 24 games in four seasons. He also played with the Jets (2006) and Broncos (2007-08). Ramsey was in the Titans' preseason camp in August before he was released. He has 5,930 career passing yards, 35 touchdowns and 30 interceptions.

Stafford is scheduled for right knee surgery on Tuesday in Birmingham, Ala.

Lions QB Matthew Stafford (shoulder) has been placed on season ending IR. Drew Stanton has been named the starter for week 16 after Daunte Culpepper was poor over his two starts. Stanton shouldn't be relied on for fantasy production.

The season is over for Detroit Lions rookie quarterback Matthew Stafford, who has been placed on injured reserve ahead of what the team calls minor right knee surgery.

Lions coach Jim Schwartz says Stafford, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2009 draft, was scheduled to have the surgery after the season. But Stafford was placed on injured reserve Wednesday after a physical exam indicated that he wouldn't be ready to play in the Jan. 3 season finale against the Chicago Bears.

"We anticipate a minor surgery just to clean out some irritants and debris," Schwartz said. "Since he's had (the injury), he's had on and off swelling. It's been stuff he's been able to play through, but it's also something we knew we needed to address after the season.

Third-year quarterback Drew Stanton will make his first NFL start Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers.

Lions QB Matthew Stafford (shoulder) continues to miss practice. Drew Stanton has been named the starter for week 16 after Daunte Culpepper was poor over his two starts. Stanton shouldn't be counted on for any type of production against the 49ers this week.

Lions quarterback Drew Stanton took the No. 1 reps today during the 30-minute portion of practice that the media is allowed to watch, -- the biggest indication so far that he'll be the starter Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers.
Lions coach Jim Schwartz is expected to announce the move after practice.

Stanton, who would get his first career start, gets the nod over Daunte Culpepper, who is 0-4 as a starter this season for the Lions. Stanton was a second-round draft pick three years ago but has seen only limited playing time during the regular season.

Rookie quarterback Matthew Stafford (shoulder) will miss his third consecutive week of action.

There is still no word on who will be the starting quarterback for the Detroit Lions on Sunday against San Francisco, but head coach Jim Schwartz gave another indication that rookie Matthew Stafford is not in the mix.

"He me hold one more day on that,'' Schwartz said of a decision to sit Stafford for a third straight week. Stafford is still recovering from a separated left shoulder. "He is improving but mostly not. Let me hold one more day, but most likely not.''

As to the decision between starting Daunte Culpepper and Drew Stanton, Schwartz is keeping quiet.

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 stantout will wait to hear if he'll get the call for his first career start 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 could get the nod.

Lions head coach Jim Schwartz won't tip his hand on who will be the team's starting quarterback on Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers but it appears rookie Matthew Stafford isn't part of that equation.

At his weekly press conference today, Schwartz said that he hadn't ruled out Stafford, "but it's definitely still a concern.''
Schwartz also said that he has yet to decide whether Daunte Culpepper or Drew Stanton will be the starter.

"No, not 100 percent. There are still things to look it,'' Schwartz said.

When asked about Stanton's performance in Detroit's 31-24 loss to the Arizona Cardinals, Schwartz gave him mixed reviews.

Lions QB Matthew Stafford (left shoulder doubtful)) missed practice again Friday. Daunte Culpepper will get the start but is not a fantasy option.

Lions QB Matthew Stafford (shoulder) missed practice again Thursday and will not play Sunday. Daunte Culpepper will again get the start. There's nothing to like here, especially if Calvin Johnson misses time.