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NEW ORLEANS (AP) Detroit cornerback Phillip Buchanon was listed as inactive for the Lions' season opener Sunday against the New Orleans Saints.

Buchanon, an eight-year veteran who played the Saints often while with Tampa Bay for the past three seasons, had been limited in practice by a sore neck. He was questionable for the game earlier in the week.

Eric King, a five-year veteran, took Buchanon's spot in the starting lineup.

The Saints deactivated free safety Usama Young, a former cornerback who was slated to back up veteran Darren Sharper. Young hurt his shoulder in the Saints' third preseason game and missed the fourth, but had practiced throughout Week 1 and was listed as probable on Friday.

The Saints already had ruled out playing left tackle Jammal Brown (hip) and running back Pierre Thomas (right knee sprain) earlier in the week.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 09-13-09 1135CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list