Lions QB Matthew Stafford (knee) missed practice Thursday after being a limited participant Wednesday. Daunte Culpepper is looking like the Sunday starter unless Stafford makes a heroic return Friday.

Detroit Lions rookie quarterback Matthew Stafford and receiver Calvin Johnson did not practice on Thursday.
Johnson was on the field in a warmup suit while Stafford wasn't even at the practice.

While the Lions won't comment on the players' status for Sunday's game against the Packers, it appears unlikely either will play. Both Stafford and Johnson are recovering from right knee injuries.

Detroit Lions rookie quarterback Matthew Stafford returned to practice Wednesday. However, he was held to limited duty, leaving his status for Sunday's game unclear.

The 1-4 Lions will visit the 2-2 Packers in Green Bay, and it's uncertain whether Stafford, who injured a knee Oct. 4 against the Bears, will be ready to play.

"It's on its way, it's getting there," Stafford said after practice. "It's just good to be doing something. Yeah, I can feel it a little bit. I'm taking it day to day and see if I can do anything (Thursday).

"That's the main thing, to make sure it doesn't blow up."

Lions coach Jim Schwartz said he hadn't decided whether Stafford would play Sunday.

Lions QB Matthew Stafford (knee) was a limited participant in practice Wednesday. He practiced with the first team and did not look slowed. Coach Jim Schwartz says Stafford is improving every day, but does not know where he will be on Sunday. This one will likely again be a game-time call.

While Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford was practicing Wednesday, a half-dozen others were not, including receiver Calvin Johnson, who left the Steelers game with an injured right knee. Also watching from the sidelines Wednesday were defensive tackle Sammie Hill (ankle), defensive end Jason Hunter (ankle), fullback Jerome Felton (shoulder), tight endCasey Fitzsimmons (thigh) and running back Maurice Morris.

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.

Quarterback Matthew Stafford moved well today in the portion of Lions practice open to reporters, but wide receiver Calvin Johnson was hobbling and not participating.

The Lions play Sunday at Green Bay.
Stafford, who has missed one game with a right knee injury, took the snaps with the first unit that reporters were able to see. He didn’t seem limited as he jogged, maneuvered lightly and threw passes.

Johnson, who left the last game with a right knee injury, was in sweats and stiff-legged.

Coach Jim Schwartz reiterated Monday that rookie Matthew Stafford is the Lions' starting quarterback. But will Stafford start Sunday at Green Bay after missing a game with an injured right knee?

The Lions' bye week is coming up. If Stafford isn't 100% healthy, will the Lions err on the side of caution and keep him out against the Packers, giving him more time to recover before their next game, Nov. 1 against St. Louis?

"No," Schwartz said. "We're trying to win this football game."

Schwartz said the Lions would see how much Stafford practices and how his knee progresses throughout the week. He said Stafford doesn't necessarily need to be 100%, but must be mobile enough to escape trouble and protect himself. If he can't play, Daunte Culpepper would make his second straight start.

Fox Sports reports: Lions QB Daunte Culpepper will get the start for injured No. 1 pick Matthew Stafford. It makes sense, too, considering the strong Pittsburgh pass rush.

Lions QB Matthew Stafford (knee questionable) returned to limited practice Friday. Coach Jim Schwartz will not name a starter until Sunday, but it looks like Daunte Culpepper is likely to get the nod. Regardless, this is a fantasy situation to stay away from facing Pittsburgh.