PRO FOOTBALL / DAILY REPORT : AROUND THE NFL : Peete Demoted to Third String

The Detroit Lions’ quarterback saga took a surprising turn when Rodney Peete was dropped to third team and Andre Ware was named to start against Phoenix on Sunday.

Peete, who started the first three games, was bumped behind Erik Kramer.

“I was a little shocked the decision was made today,” Peete said. “I’m very surprised by it.”

Peete strained his left knee in a 14-3 loss to New Orleans last Sunday. Ware finished the game, but struggled so badly that Fontes had Kramer warming up as the game ended.

Peete said he was confident he would be well enough to play by Sunday.

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With three starters sidelined for Sunday’s game against New Orleans and the defense struggling, the San Francisco 49ers signed safety Terry Hoage and linebacker Larry Kelm. Hoage, an eight-year veteran who was released by Washington during training camp, signed Wednesday. Kelm, a seven-year pro waived by the Rams in the team’s final cut, signed Tuesday. Both are expected to be available for Sunday’s game in the Superdome. . . . A month ago doctors were saying a dislocated ankle would keep Indianapolis linebacker Jeff Herrod out of action up to 10 weeks. But the leading tackler for the Colts the past four years practiced Wednesday and was hoping to play Sunday against Cleveland.