Lions coach Jim Schwartz announced Wednesday that Drew Stanton will make his first NFL career start this weekend against the 49ers, keeping veteran backup Daunte Culpepper on the bench.

After going scoreless in one half with Daunte Culpepper, the Lions opened the second half of Sunday’s game against the Cardinals with Drew Stanton at quarterback.

The Lions have five quarterbacks, a position that has been in a constant state of flux for first-year coach Jim Schwartz over the last week. Beyond rookie Matthew Stafford, who will start Thursday’s preseason finale against the Bills, not much is clear right now for the Lions.

Detroit Lions head coach Jim Schwartz announced Thursday that WR Calvin Johnson won’t play in Saturday’s preseason game against the Cleveland Browns due to his sprained thumb.

The Lions are officially calling WR Calvin Johnson’s right thumb injury a sprain, but it was enough to keep him from participating in full drills Tuesday at training camp.

Suddenly, Detroit is the place to be — at least in NFL circles. Speaking from his Michigan home, LB Larry Foote told the Detroit Free Press that he would love to play for his hometown Lions if he is released — as expected — by the Steelers.

Although he pulled Daunte Culpepper during the third quarter of Sunday’s 38-20 loss to the Bucs, Lions coach Rod Marinelli is sticking with the veteran as his starter.

But Daunte Culpepper has been pulled against the Buccaneers in favor of Drew Stanton. Culpepper, who is the third quarterback to get yanked today, had thrown for 88 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions in the game.

For some reason, Drew Stanton replaced Daunte Culpepper in an offensive series near the goal line. He threw a touchdown pass to John Owens to put the Lions ahead of the Jaguars, 7-3.