Orlovsky to start at QB for Lions

Dec 15, 2008 - 7:23 PM ALLEN PARK, Michigan (Ticker) -- Dan Orlovsky still is the Detroit Lions' starting quarterback, coach Rod Marinelli said Monday.

After playing well in Sunday's 31-21 loss to the Indianapolis Colts, Orlovsky will start next weekend when the winless Lions host the New Orleans Saints.

Orlovsky, filling in for the injured Daunte Culpepper, completed 23-of-34 passes for 233 yards and a touchdown against the Colts. The four-year veteran had missed the previous five games due to injuries to his right thumb.

A 2005 fifth-round draft selection, the 25-year-old Orlovsky has completed 58.4 percent of his attempts this season for 1,266 yards, six TDs and four interceptions.

Orlovsky will try to help Detroit avoid becoming the first 0-15 team in NFL history. If the Lions do not win either of their final two games (New Orleans, at Green Bay), they will join the 1976 Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-14) as the only winless teams in league history.

Marinelli said Monday that Culpepper, who is battling a right shoulder injury, will be "questionable" for Sunday's game against the Saints (7-7).