NFL

Updating a previous report, Lions Head Coach Jim Schwartz indicated Monday that Matthew Stafford (shoulder) is “unlikely” to play on Thanksgiving Day against the Packers. Schwartz says tests confirmed that Stafford doesn’t have a significant injury and that his non-throwing shoulder is structurally sound, but the short week doesn’t give him enough time for the injury to prepare. NFL Network’s Mike Lombardi and Nick Cotsonika of the Detroit Lions Free Press both report that Stafford is unlikely to play. Daunte Culpepper is on track to make his third start for the 2009 season.

Elsewhere around the NFL:

Detroit: According to the Associated Press, Lions WR Calvin Johnson (hand, knee) is “doubtful” to play on Thanksgiving against Green Bay. The AP doesn’t cite sources, but issued the report after coach Jim Schwartz’s Monday presser. Schwartz “didn’t sound optimistic” that Calvin would play on Thursday. Don’t expect Johnson to practice this week and be listed as questionable for Thursday.

St. Louis: Rams QB Marc Bulger has a fracture in the upper part of his kneecap and he’ll miss 3-6 weeks. Since the injury is a “tibial plateau fracture,” Buldger is likely to be placed on injured reserve. With the Rams being 1-9, Bulger might have played his last game in St. Louis Rams. Expect the Rams to select a QB early in the 2010 NFL draft.

Seattle: Seahawks Coach Jim Mora said Monday that Julius Jones (ribs, lung) is expected to resume practicing this week. Considering that Jones had bleeding in his lungs only two weeks ago, it would be a big surprise if he was ready to play this weekend. Averaging 5.5 YPC on the year, Forsett figures to remain the lead back at St. Louis in Week 12 if Jones isn’t 100%.

Baltimore: Baltimore Ravens CB Fabian Washington is expected to miss the rest of 2009 with a torn ACL, coach John Harbaugh revealed Monday. Washington, who will be a free-agent in 2010, was having a poor season and he has even been benched for poor tackling.

Green Bay: Had the Packers held practice on Monday, RB Ryan Grant would not have participated as he is dealing with a neck stinger. The injury hasn’t been deemed serious, so expect him to play against the Lions on Thanksgiving.