Detroit Lions backup quarterback Jeff Garcia won't need surgery on his broken left leg. The decision was made Tuesday after a leg and ankle specialist confirmed the initial diagnosis. Garcia is expected to be out six to eight weeks, and the Lions have no immediate plans to sign another quarterback. They will open the season Sunday against Green Bay with starter Joey Harrington and backup Dan Orlovsky, a rookie out of Connecticut. ``This is the best news we could've received,'' Lions coach Steve Mariucci said. ``He called right after he got the results. Jeff was very upbeat and said he hopes to be ready sooner. He is on his way back to Michigan and will begin his rehab this afternoon.'' Wide receiver Kevin Johnson will serve as the emergency quarterback. Johnson, who started his college career as Donovan McNabb's backup at Syracuse, played quarterback for four snaps with the Cleveland Browns in 2000.

Lions backup quarterback Jeff Garcia will miss at least six weeks after breaking his left leg in Detroit's 21-7 preseason victory against Buffalo on Friday. Coach Steve Mariucci said X-rays revealed Garcia broke his fibula, but he also fears the player might have severely hurt his ankle. Mariucci said the team will know more after Garcia has further tests Saturday. "We'll just keep our fingers crossed," Mariucci said. He added that the tests will determine whether the Lions need to consider signing another veteran backup behind starter Joey Harrington. "We have to talk about it," Lions president Matt Millen said.