ALLEN PARK, Mich. (Dec. 21, 2005) -- Joey Harrington is getting at least one more chance with the Detroit Lions.
He will start at quarterback over Jeff Garcia this week against the New Orleans Saints, interim coach Dick Jauron said.
"We are just trying to see if we can jump-start and get a win somehow," Jauron said.
Harrington, the third pick in the 2002 draft, began the year as the starter, then lost his job as soon as Garcia recovered from injuries in late October. After two games as a backup, Harrington was a starter again until Jauron replaced fired coach Steve Mariucci and went with Garcia for the previous three games.
Both quarterbacks have struggled for the Lions, who have lost seven of eight since sharing the division lead with a 3-3 record.
Harrington has averaged about 160 yards passing with nine touchdowns and 11 interceptions in 10 games this season. In 53 career starts with the Lions, Harrington has 57 TD passes and 61 interceptions.
Garcia was signed in the offseason to push or replace Harrington, but the 35-year-old quarterback had trouble throwing downfield and making plays with his legs when he was healthy.
In six games this season, Garcia has thrown three TDs and six interceptions. The former Pro Bowl quarterback has 126 career TD passes and 71 interceptions with San Francisco, Cleveland and Detroit.
In Sunday's 41-17 loss to Cincinnati, Garcia was benched after he was 13-of-21 for 138 yards with one TD and three interceptions. Harrington played in the fourth quarter and was 6-of-7 for 77 yards and a score.
