"Quarterback Jon Kitna will not play Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings after missing practice this week with a back injury.

Backup Dan Orlovsky is expected to make his first career NFL start for the Lions in Kitna's absence, with Drew Stanton serving as the backup.

The Lions also signed quarterback Drew Henson from their practice squad to be the third quarterback Sunday at the Metrodome. The team waived fullback Moran Morris, two days after he was signed as a free agent, to make room for Henson on the 53-player roster.

Kitna missed the second half of last week's 34-7 loss to the Chicago Bears after experiencing back spasms. He underwent an MRI exam on Monday and saw a specialist Friday, but the team did not reveal the results of either visit. Kitna declined to comment on his status again Friday -- he didn't speak to the Detroit media all week -- while coach Rod Marinelli said only that he'd likely wait until game day to make a decision."