Daunte Culpepper will start in his Lions debut this afternoon, five days after signing a two-year contract with the team.

Culpepper took the slight majority of reps in practice all week and will be under center for most of today's game against Jacksonville. The Lions (0-8) do have a plan in place to use backup Drew Stanton in special situations, though the two quarterbacks will not alternate series.

A three-time Pro Bowler in Minnesota, Culpepper last played Nov. 25, 2007, when he started for Oakland and led the Raiders to a 20-17 win over Kansas City. He announced his retirement last month when he was unable to find a starting job, but said Wednesday he'd be ready to play today.

"I consider myself a smart guy," he said. "As far as learning, I was always a player who could learn in the classroom and take it onto the field so I don't see it taking a lot of time, but the decision is up to the coaches. When they think I'm ready they'll put me out there."