ALLEN PARK — The Lions quarterback situation has taken a new twist. Daunte Culpepper sustained a minor cut to his toe at home on Saturday evening. It required eight stitches and is not considered serious, according to a team statement just released.

He is not practicing this afternoon. His status for Thursday’s final preseason game will be determined later this week. Third-stringer Drew Stanton also was missing from practice without explanation, though coaches said they would explain his absence after today's practice.

Culpepper started Games 1 and 3 of the preseason. Prior to his toe injury, coach Jim Schwartz said there was “a good chance” that Matthew Stafford would start on Thursday night at Buffalo in the final preseason contest.

Stafford and Culpepper are vying to be the Lions starting quarterback when the season opens on Sept. 13 in New Orleans.

— PAULA PASCHE