Now that Culpepper's out, now what?

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. - Now that Daunte Culpepper officially has been ruled out of the exhibition finale tonight at Buffalo, I don't know what to think about the Lions' quarterback competition. A week ago, I thought the odds were that Culpepper would start the season opener Sept. 13 at New Orleans and Matthew Stafford would take over at some point. But I'm not so sure anymore. If Stafford plays well tonight, does he claim the job? Or are the Lions being especially careful with Culpepper because they don't want to take chances with their starter? It might come down to two things: First, how serious is Culpepper's injury? He has eight stitches in his foot. If he can practice come Monday, he should be fine for the opener. But if this lingers into next week, the Lions might not have a choice except to start Stafford against the Saints. Second, how does Stafford play tonight? If Stafford plays like he did Aug. 22 at Cleveland, throwing a bad interception and mis...