Detroit Lions receiver Calvin Johnson (knee) and safety Louis Delmas (ankle) did not practice today, and their status for Sunday's game against the Cardinals is unclear.

With longsnapper Don Muhlbach (concussion) not expected to play, the Lions signed snapper Nathan Hodel and released rookie tight end Dan Gronkowski. The Lions also re-signed cornerback Jahi Word-Daniels to the practice squad.

Also, rookie quarterback Matthew Stafford did not practice and will not play Sunday.

Lions coach Jim Schwartz said quarterback Matthew Stafford is unlikely to play Sunday against Arizona. "He's getting a little better, but he's still a ways away," Schwartz said.

Stafford, safety Louis Delmas (ankle), receiver Dennis Northcutt (groin) and long snapper Don Muhlbach (head) didn't practice Wednesday. Wide receiver Calvin Johnson (knee) was among those limited in practice. ... Schwartz said running back Kevin Smith has at least a torn anterior cruciate ligament. He said the swelling was down and Smith was walking without crutches while awaiting surgery. "He's actually walking around great," Schwartz said. "He's doing great. He's doing outstanding." ... Tight end Brandon Pettigrew is scheduled to have surgery on his torn ACL this week.

Lions QB Matthew Stafford (shoulder) missed practice again Wednesday. Coach Jim Schwartz said he is unlikely to play Sunday, meaning Daunte Culpepper is likely in line for his 2nd start this week against the Cardinals. The first came last week against the Ravens and was not pretty

Lions WR Calvin Johnson (knee) was limited at practice Wednesday. Johnson should be a full participant later in the week, but his value is hurt if Matthew Stafford cannot go.

Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford is unlikely to play Sunday against Arizona, coach Jim Schwartz said today.

Stafford watched today’s practice with his injured left shoulder wrapped, twirling a football in his hands. He rested the shoulder Sunday at Baltimore after aggravating it the previous week at Cincinnati. He suffered an AC joint separation Nov. 22 against Cleveland.

“He’s still making progress,” Schwartz said. “He’s getting a little better, but he’s still a ways away.”

There's a strong possibility the Detroit Lions have already decided that rookie quarterback Matthew Stafford won't play this week against the Arizona Cardinals at Ford Field.
There's a chance he might play, but only if he's significantly healed from that left shoulder injury and that's unlikely. The guess here is that Stafford's going to be shut down for the second straight game. I'm not sure what reasons they'll give for this decision - if they give any -- but the Lions are making the safest possible move in light of the realities they face.

Fans hoping to see Drew Stanton make his first start of the season Sunday against Arizona will not get their wish, according to Schwartz.

Schwartz said rookie quarterback Matthew Stafford's injured left shoulder is no different than it was last week and if it doesn't improve throughout the week, Culpepper will start against the Cardinals.

"We spent a lot of time in training camp and offseason and during the season establishing what our depth charts are and Daunte is our No. 2 quarterback, Drew (Stanton) is our No. 3 quarterback. That's where that one is," he said.

Schwartz said that a decision has not been made yet on whether rookie Matthew Stafford would start at quarterback next week. If Stafford can't play, Schwartz gave a strong indication that Daunte Culpepper would get the start, his fourth of the season.

Lions QB Matthew Stafford (left shoulder doubtful) did not practice Friday. Daunte Culpepper is fully expected to get the start barring another last minute surprise.

Lions QB Matthew Stafford (left shoulder) did not practice Thursday. Stafford is not expected to start. Daunte Culpepper will likely face the Ravens.