Veteran quarterback Daunte Culpepper reportedly has agreed to a two-year contract with the Detroit Lions.

Team spokesman Bill Keenist says the Lions had no comment on yesterday's www.ESPN.com report.

The report, which didn't cite a source, indicated Culpepper would sign the deal tomorrow.

An e-mail seeking comment was sent to Culpepper, who acts as his own agent.

The 31-year-old Culpepper worked out for Detroit on Tuesday, taking a step toward returning to the NFL after announcing plans to retire in September because he was frustrated over not finding work.

He was a three-time Pro Bowler for the Minnesota Vikings, but a knee injury limited his effectiveness with the Miami Dolphins in 2006 and Oakland Raiders in 2007.

BRONCOS

The Denver Broncos promoted quarterback Darrell Hackney from their practice squad yesterday to back up starter Jay Cutler. The team waived tackle Matt Murphy, whom they had signed on Monday.

Cutler's original backup, Patrick Ramsey, was lost for the season Oct. 20 with an elbow injury.

Hackney is a second-year pro out of Alabama-Birmingham who also was promoted off Denver's practice squad last season. Although he was active for the final eight games, he has yet to appear in an NFL regular-season game.

BROWNS

Cleveland ended Ryan Tucker's season yesterday by placing the offensive lineman on injured reserve with a knee injury. The Browns also signed wide receiver Steve Sanders to the active roster.

The injury kept Tucker out of the previous two games. He missed the first four games of the season because of a hip injury and only started in one game this season — Cleveland's win against the New York Giants on Oct. 13. Tucker's knee will be examined by a doctor next week.

JETS

New York linebacker David Harris will not play in today's game at Buffalo because of a strained groin.

Harris, who leads the Jets with 52 tackles, didn't make the trip with the team to Buffalo yesterday. He was listed Friday as doubtful after not practicing all week. Harris, in his second NFL season, was injured in the second quarter of the Jets' 28-24 victory over Kansas City last Sunday.

Veteran David Bowens likely will start in Harris' place.

PACKERS

Green Bay released Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila, the franchise sacks leader, yesterday.

The defensive end had been with the team for nine seasons and appeared in 124 games, starting 74. He had 74 1/2 sacks for Green Bay, passing Reggie White's 68 1/2 in 2007.

General Manager Ted Thompson issued a statement yesterday, thanking Gbaja-Biamila for his contributions and wishing him well. Gbaja-Biamila also issued a statement, saying his time with the team has been a "blessing that is beyond words."

SHORTS SNAPS

The top six teams in the NFL in rushing have a combined 32-11 record. The Giants, who rank No. 1 in rushing, are atop the NFC East and the Titans, who are No. 4, are the league's lone unbeaten team at 7-0. ... The Redskins will be without two of their top defenders — defensive end Jason Taylor and cornerback Shawn Springs — when they host Pittsburgh on "Monday Night Football." ... After a great start, Jets quarterback Brett Favre has turned the ball over nine times the last three games — seven interceptions and two fumbles. ... The Denver Broncos are ranked No. 2 in offense and No. 30 in defense.