Brian Manzullo

Detroit Free Press

Dan Orlovsky indicated last weekend that his second tenure with the Detroit Lions is over, and clarity as to why might have come Thursday.

Based on the quarterback's comments, the Lions are turning to Jake Rudock to back up starter Matthew Stafford.

Orlovsky said on SiriusXM NFL radio Thursday that the Lions told him they're going "in a different direction" by promoting Rudock to second-string quarterback and letting Orlovsky's contract expire next month.

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In other words, a team looking for its first Super Bowl ring is going with a former Michigan quarterback and sixth-round pick to back up an established starter in his second NFL season.

The Lions promoted No. 3 quarterback Rudock to the active roster in late November rather than let him sign with the Chicago Bears, because they envision him as Stafford's next backup.

A sixth-round pick out of Michigan last April, Rudock was inactive for all six games he was on the active roster at the end of the regular season. By appearing on the 53-man roster for six weeks, Rudock earned his first accredited season toward free agency.

Orlovsky, who turns 34 in August, has played seven seasons with the Lions over two stints and also spent time with the Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts and Tampa Bay Buccaneers during his 12-year career.

He did not play in a game last season, and attempted just 40 passes -- completing 22 -- in his most recent stint with the Lions from 2014-16.

Dave Birkett contributed.

Contact Brian Manzullo: bmanzullo@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @BrianManzullo.

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