It appears as if the Lions have named Daunte Culpepper a team captain for today's game at Carolina. The move comes in Culpepper's second week with the team - he'll make his second start today - and underscores the Lions' season-long problem of a lack of veteran leadership in the locker room. Earlier this year, running back Rudi Johnson, signed days before the season, served as captain for one game.

Neither of Detroit's offensive captains to start the year, center Dominic Raiola or quarterback Jon Kitna, is available today. Kitna went on injured reserve last month with back problems and Raiola is out for the second straight game with a broken right thumb.

As expected, defensive end Dewayne White (calf) and receiver Mike Furrey (concussion) are out today as well and did not make the trip to Carolina.