Matthew Stafford News: Pro Sports Daily

Johnson out, Stafford in for Lions against Rams

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November 1

Detroit Free Press

"Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson will not play today against St. Louis, but quarterback Matthew Stafford will start. Both have had injured right knees. This will be the second game Johnson has missed. Stafford missed two games. Losing Johnson is a blow. He is the Lions' best player -- a deep threat -- and the Rams have been giving up a lot of deep passes. They have allowed 24 passes of 20 yards or more, tied for fourth-worst in the NFL. "The one thing that's going to happen, they'll play when they're ready, not to get out there before they're ready," coach Jim Schwartz said Thursday. "That will be the evaluation. It won't be because of whatever. The evaluation's going to be are they ..."

Lions' Stafford moves closer to start vs. Rams

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November 1

Detroit News

"All signs point to Matthew Stafford returning to the lineup as the Lions' starting quarterback Sunday at Ford Field against the St. Louis Rams, while receiver Calvin Johnson's status seems a bit more uncertain. "Both are progressing, and both will be game-time decisions," said coach Jim Schwartz, who likely will have a handful of starters back from injuries coming off a bye week. "But both of them made a lot of progress the last couple weeks. Like I said before, the bye has come at a good time for us. I don't think any of them are 100 percent yet, but they're getting closer." Stafford was on the field taking first-team snaps Friday -- as he has all week -- during the early portion of ..."

Lions' Johnson and Stafford making progress

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October 30

Detroit Free Press

"The Lions appear to be encouraged by the injury progress of their two top stars on offense. Receiver Calvin Johnson, who missed the last game with a knee injury, returned to practice Thursday and quarterback Matthew Stafford continued to look fine in the early portion of practice open to reporters as he recovers from the right knee injury that has sidelined him for two games. Officially, Johnson and Stafford were listed as having limited practice. "Those guys are making progress," coach Jim Schwartz said. "Those guys are making good progress. We're happy with the progress they're making. I think both of them have a ways to go. The good thing is we still got a ways to Sunday." Stafford ..."

Lions' Matthew Stafford, Calvin Johnson both practice today

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October 29

Michigan Live

"Rookie quarterback Matthew Stafford practiced for the third straight day today and it appears he'll be the starter when the Lions host the St. Louis Rams on Sunday. However, nothing is official and it's unlikely head coach Jim Schwartz will make an announcement today."

Lions' Matthew Stafford practices with first team again

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October 28

Detroit News

"Quarterback Matthew Stafford practiced for a second consecutive day Wednesday, greatly increasing the likelihood he will be ready for Sunday's game against the St. Louis Rams. Stafford took first-team snaps for a second straight day in the portion of practice open to the media. He looked very comfortable running and throwing the football. Wednesday was an important evaluation day for Stafford and his right knee. Team officials wanted to see how the knee would react after practicing Tuesday. Stafford practiced Oct. 14 -- less than two weeks after suffering a partially dislocated knee cap against the Chicago Bears -- and suffered a setback when the knee swelled the following day."

Lions' Stafford practices for 2nd day in row

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October 28

Detroit Free Press

"Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford is practicing for the second straight day today – a good sign, considering he had swelling and could not practice after he tested his injured right knee the last time. The Lions will continue to monitor Stafford's progress day to day before deciding whether he will play Sunday against St. Louis. He has missed the past two games. Wide receiver Calvin Johnson did not participate in the portion of practice open to reporters. But while the Lions worked in their field house, he headed outside, presumably to work on his own as he did Tuesday. He has missed one game with an injured right knee."

Matthew Stafford tests knee, but next few days will be key

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October 28

Detroit Free Press

"The last time rookie quarterback Matthew Stafford tested his injured right knee, it was Oct. 14, the Wednesday before the Lions' last game. The knee swelled afterward. "It wasn't a ton of swelling, but there was some discomfort with it," Stafford said Tuesday. "That was just a reaction. Obviously, I wasn't ready to come back. That's all that said." Stafford had a second MRI exam. But he said it was just a precaution, despite a report the Lions were worried he might need surgery. "I didn't think it was that big of a deal," Stafford said. "The second MRI, I think it was just to make sure everything was fine, and then once we realized it was, it was fine." Stafford, the No. 1 pick in the NFL ..."

Lions' Stafford, Johnson healing, might play

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October 28

Detroit Free Press

"Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford said he felt better today than he did Oct. 14, the last time he tested his injured knee in practice. But he wouldn't speculate whether he would be able to play Sunday against St. Louis. "I don't know," Stafford said. "We'll see. It's a long week. We've got to figure out how this thing is going to react." Wide receiver Calvin Johnson (right knee) did not practice. But he did some work on the side and said he was "definitely optimistic" he would be able to play against the Rams, though "not positive." "It feels a lot better since last week," said Johnson, who has missed one game. "It just something we have to take day by day and see how it goes, ..."

Stafford practices with Lions' first-team offense

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October 28

Detroit News

"The Lions' quarterback of the present and future was back at practice Tuesday, feeling better than he has in nearly a month. Matthew Stafford took snaps with the first-team offense during the portion of practice open to media. He showed no ill effects from the injury. Afterward, he said he took approximately half of the snaps in practice and didn't feel restricted at all. "This is the most I've done on it other than that Wednesday (of last week) and it felt better than it did that Wednesday," Stafford said. "I don't know if I could say how much better or how close (I am) to 100 percent." Stafford, who suffered a partially dislocated right knee cap in Chicago on Oct. 4, also dismissed ..."

Matthew Stafford returns to practice, Calvin Johnson sits out

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October 27

Michigan Live

"Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford returned to practice today while receiver Calvin Johnson did not participate. Stafford took snaps in the No. 1 rotation during individual drills; the media is not allowed to watch any team drills during the workout. Stafford's status for Sunday's game against the St. Louis Rams won't be better known until Wednesday when team officials will see if there's any swelling in Stafford's knee. If there's swelling, Stafford will likely be out for Sunday's game. If there is no swelling, Stafford will continue to practice and a decision on whether he'll start will probably be made later in the week. During his reps today, Stafford had mobility, but didn't ..."

Lions aren't rushing Matthew Stafford back from injury

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October 23

Detroit News

"Lions rookie quarterback Matthew Stafford didn't practice again Thursday as he continues recovering from the partially dislocated kneecap he suffered nearly three weeks ago. Stafford spent practice throwing passes on the sideline and seemed to move well while working with Jason Arapoff, the team's coordinator of strength and development. "I really don't test (the knee) much," Stafford said after practice. "It's always been fine walking around and doing stuff like that. I just have to get comfortable to where I'm running. I don't push as hard off it right now as I probably would in a game." The timetable for his return still is unclear, but the Lions seem content letting him rest the knee ..."

Rest, not surgery for Lions' Stafford

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October 21

Detroit Free Press

"Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford said Monday that no one is telling him his season is in jeopardy, despite a report that the team is worried he might need knee surgery. Stafford suffered a right knee injury -- reportedly a partially dislocated kneecap -- Oct. 4 at Chicago. He has missed the past two games. He went through a limited practice Wednesday. He said afterward that the main concern was swelling and whether he would be able to practice again the next day, and he did not practice the next day. ESPN reported Sunday that Stafford had swelling and the Lions ordered a new MRI, which they forwarded to Dr. James Andrews of Birmingham, Ala., fearing Stafford might need surgery. General ..."

Report: Stafford will see orthopedic surgeon on Monday

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October 18

Detroit News

"Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford will visit orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews in Birmingham, Ala., on Monday to have his injured right knee examined, ESPN's Chris Mortensen reported. Stafford missed a second consecutive game Sunday, two weeks after suffering a partially dislocated right kneecap in an Oct. 4 loss at Chicago. Team officials, who still haven't publicly confirmed Stafford's initial injury diagnosis, weren't immediately available for comment on the ESPN report. Stafford returned to practice briefly this week, taking about half the reps Wednesday in Allen Park. But the rookie No. 1 overall pick then sat out Thursday and Friday, declining to speak with the media both days. ..."

Matthew Stafford, Calvin Johnson listed as inactive for today's game

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October 18

Detroit Free Press

"The Lions' top young offensive players – quarterback Matthew Stafford and wide receiver Calvin Johnson – will not play today against the Packers because of right knee injuries. The Lions also will be without three defensive linemen who started the season opener: ends Jason Hunter (ankle) and Dewayne White (hamstring) and rookie tackle Sammie Hill (ankle). Also inactive are safety Ko Simpson (hamstring), guard Manny Ramirez and offensive tackle Jon Jansen."

Lambeau holds 'mystique' for Lions

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October 18

Detroit News

"Some of the Lions have tasted life on the other side of this NFC North rivalry. Some of them have called Lambeau Field home as NFL players. But most all of them agree on one thing: It's a special place, even if it is a place where the Lions haven't won since 1991. "Yeah, there's definitely a mystique about the place," said defensive end Jason Hunter, a fourth-year pro who spent his first three seasons with the Packers. "It's Lambeau Field. It's tradition. I mean, it's been around for years. Everybody knows about that place, that tradition, the Super Bowls, Vince Lombardi. And definitely, when you go in to play those guys, you have that in your mind." Jeff Backus, the Lions' veteran left ..."

Matthew Stafford, Calvin Johnson sit out practice

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October 17

Detroit Free Press

"Quarterback Matthew Stafford and wide receiver Calvin Johnson did not practice Friday and are listed as questionable with knee injuries for Sunday's game. Asked about Stafford -- who hasn't practiced since Wednesday -- Lions coach Jim Schwartz said: "We'll lean on our injury report and then we'll make a decision Sunday morning of what we're going to do. I actually will announce our decision Sunday morning." Daunte Culpepper will start if Stafford doesn't. The Lions haven't won at Lambeau Field since 1991. "It's an opportunity for certain guys," Culpepper said. "Guys who have made plays in the past and who've worked hard to get to this level know that when you have an opportunity to go out ..."

Matthew Stafford's recovery hits snag

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October 16

Detroit News

"Lions rookie quarterback Matthew Stafford appears to have suffered a setback in his recovery from the partially dislocated right kneecap he suffered two weeks ago in the 48-24 loss to the Bears. On Wednesday, Stafford officially was listed as limited in practice after taking snaps during the initial offensive team drills. But on Thursday, he was absent from practice, and Daunte Culpepper and Drew Stanton were the only quarterbacks on the field. Stafford, still wearing a protective sleeve on his knee, declined to comment on his status. Lions coach Jim Schwartz also was mum. "I'm just going to let our injury report handle where we're at with the quarterbacks," he said. Stafford was ..."

Stafford, C. Johnson likely out for Sunday's game

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October 16

Detroit Free Press

"Quarterback Matthew Stafford and wide receiver Calvin Johnson were not on the field today for the portion of Lions practice that was open to reporters, making it seem more unlikely they will play Sunday at Green Bay. Both have right knee injuries. Johnson has not practiced all week. Stafford has not practiced since Wednesday, when he was listed as limited on the injury report. Defensive linemen Sammie Hill (ankle), Dewayne White (hamstring) and Jason Hunter (ankle) also were not participating in the portion of practice open to reporters. None of them has practiced this week."

Matthew Stafford sits out Lions practice

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October 15

Detroit News

"Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford was conspicuously absent for the early portion of practice open to the media Thursday, casting further doubt on his availability for Sunday's game at Green Bay. The rookie No. 1 overall pick was officially listed as limited in practice Wednesday, after taking snaps during the initial offensive team drills. But Thursday, he was nowhere to be seen as the Lions began practice, with Daunte Culpepper, who started last week's game against Pittsburgh in Stafford's absence, and Drew Stanton the only quarterbacks on the field. Stafford started the team's first four games but sat out against the Steelers after suffering a partially dislocated right kneecap in an ..."

Injured Stafford 'improving'; Calvin Johnson sits out again

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October 15

Detroit Free Press

"Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford took a step toward playing Sunday at Green Bay by going through a limited practice Wednesday. "He's improving," coach Jim Schwartz said. "He's doing a little more each day that we're able to get him out on the field." Stafford reportedly suffered a partially dislocated right kneecap Oct. 4 at Chicago. He didn't practice last week until Friday, when he was limited. He sat out Sunday against Pittsburgh. In the portion of practice open to reporters Wednesday, Stafford took the snaps with the first unit. He moved relatively well as he jogged, maneuvered and threw passes. Stafford said he could "feel it a little bit," but "it's getting there." The question is ..."

Matthew Stafford practicing, status for Packers still in doubt

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October 14

Detroit News

"The Lions returned to practice Wednesday morning in preparation for Sunday's game at Green Bay -- and so did quarterback Matthew Stafford. The Lions' rookie No. 1 overall pick took some first-team snaps during the early portion of drills that were open to the media. Stafford started the team's first four games but sat out last week against Pittsburgh after suffering a partially dislocated right kneecap in an Oct. 4 loss at Chicago. "He's improving; he's doing a little bit more each day that we're able to get him out on the field," said coach Jim Schwartz, who won't rule Stafford in -- or out -- for this week's game against the Packers. "The decision hasn't been made yet. We've got a long ..."

Lions' Stafford moves well; Johnson hobbling

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October 14

Detroit Free Press

"Quarterback Matthew Stafford moved well today in the portion of Detroit Lions practice open to reporters, but wide receiver Calvin Johnson was hobbling and not participating. The Lions play Sunday at Green Bay. Stafford, who has missed one game with a right knee injury, took the snaps with the first unit that reporters were able to see. He didn't seem limited as he jogged, maneuvered lightly and threw passes. "He's improving," coach Jim Schwartz said after practice. "He's doing a little more each day that we're able to get him out on the field." Stafford said he could "feel it a little bit," but "it's getting there." The question is how the knee reacts. The Lions will monitor soreness and ..."

Schwartz won't make decision on Matthew Stafford until Sunday

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October 14

Detroit News

"The Lions returned to practice Wednesday morning in preparation for Sunday's game at Green Bay -- and so did quarterback Matthew Stafford. The Lions' rookie No. 1 overall pick took some snaps along with Daunte Culpepper and Drew Stanton during the early portion of drills that were open to the media. Stafford missed last week's game against Pittsburgh after suffering a partially dislocated right kneecap in an Oct. 4 loss at Chicago. Coach Jim Schwartz said Monday he wouldn't rule out Stafford playing against the Packers, even if he wasn't a full participant in practice Wednesday. He plans to keep Stafford's status up in the air until Sunday. "I think the decision is how well he can move ..."

Matthew Stafford gives Lions best chance

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October 14

Michigan Live

columnist Tom Kowalski

"It is a testament to the rapid development of rookie quarterback Matthew Stafford that, even after just four games in the NFL, he already gives the Detroit Lions the best chance to win. That is the unmistakable conclusion you have to make after watching Daunte Culpepper's performance in Detroit's 28-20 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Culpepper, who started because Stafford has a minor knee injury, made a lot of good plays in the game, but he also made some ill-advised decisions. From the intentional grounding penalty to the throw-it-up-for-grabs interception to holding the ball too long in the face of the blitz, Culpepper did not show the savvy one would expect from an 11-year veteran. As ..."

Lions' Culpepper to start at QB against Steelers

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October 11

Detroit Free Press

"Daunte Culpepper will start at quarterback for the Lions today against Pittsburgh. Drew Stanton will be the backup. Matthew Stafford, who has an injured right knee, will be listed as the third quarterback. Jon Jansen will start at right tackle for Gosder Cherilus, out with a shoulder injury. Turk McBride will start at defensive end for Dewayne White, out with a hamstring injury. This will be the first action for McBride, whom the Lions claimed off waivers from Kansas City. McBride had to put on weight to play defensive end, because he had lost some to try outside linebacker for the Chiefs."

Stafford might not get start for Lions

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October 10

Washington Times

"Detroit coach Jim Schwartz has made one thing clear from the start of his short tenure: He isn't going to help the opposition write its game plan. This week, that means a complete shutdown on news about rookie quarterback Matt Stafford's injured right knee and his status for Sunday's game against Pittsburgh. "I'll announce a starting quarterback on Sunday," Schwartz said Friday. "There's still a lot of time between now and the game, and we'll have to see how things go." Stafford injured his knee in last weekend's lopsided loss to Chicago, but neither he nor the team will confirm reports he sustained a dislocated kneecap that quickly returned into place. The first pick in April's draft ..."

Stafford questionable for Sunday

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October 10

Detroit Free Press

"Detroit Lions coach Jim Schwartz did not disclose which quarterback will start Sunday against Pittsburgh and offered few details about Matthew Stafford's progress after practice. "We'll definitely announce it Sunday, because there's a lot of time between now and Sunday," Schwartz said. Stafford, who missed practice Wednesday and Thursday with a right knee injury, returned to practice today and had limited participation. He was officially listed as questionable for Sunday's game. He declined to speak with reporters today, and Schwartz continued to be evasive about the rookie's status when he was asked how Stafford looked during practice. "It looks like a guy coming back, and his arrow's ..."

Stafford practices, Daunte Culpepper says he's ready

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October 10

Detroit News

"Matthew Stafford finally joined his teammates on the practice field Friday. Daunte Culpepper finally talked to the media afterward. And while no one -- least of all Lions coach Jim Schwartz -- will say which quarterback will start this week against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Culpepper still is expected to get the nod Sunday at Ford Field. "Honestly, I just look at it like this: I prepare to play every week, no matter what the situation is," said Culpepper, speaking formally to reporters for the first time since Stafford, the rookie No. 1 overall draft pick, was named the team's starter prior to the regular season. "Still don't know what the status is of our starter. But like I said, I'm ..."

Lions' Matthew Stafford works in some practice drills

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October 9

Detroit News

"Lions quarterback Mathew Stafford was on the field for the start of practice Friday, though not as a full participant, wearing a black sleeve on his injured right knee. Stafford, who suffered a partially dislocated kneecap in Sunday's 48-24 loss at Chicago, was a bystander for the first two days of practice, Wednesday and Thursday, after experiencing swelling in the knee. He said Thursday he hadn't run or ridden a stationary bike all week, and he opted out of some of the team's pre-practice stretching and running exercises Friday. But he was taking part in some individual drills in the portion of practice the media is allowed to watch."

Matthew Stafford most likely won't start

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October 9

Detroit News

"Matthew Stafford didn't practice for the second straight day Thursday because of the partially dislocated right kneecap he suffered in last week's loss at Chicago. The Lions rookie quarterback also missed Wednesday's practice, making it unlikely he'll start against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday. "I don't know, we'll see," Stafford said when asked if he'd play. "Whatever coach's policy is as far as guys missing practice and still being able to play. "Obviously, anytime you tweak something it's scary. I mean an ankle, knee, shoulder, whatever it is. I just wanted to make sure everything was structurally all right, and it was, so that was a good thing." Stafford confirmed the injured ..."

Steelers preparing for Stafford, not Culpepper

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October 7

Detroit Free Press

"The Steelers expect to face Detroit Lions rookie quarterback Matthew Stafford on Sunday at Ford Field -- or at least they want the Lions to think that. Stafford has a right knee injury and did not practice today. "Mainly, I've been watching film on Stafford more right now, because I feel like he's going to play," Steelers linebacker LaMarr Woodley (Michigan) said today on a conference call with Detroit reporters. "I'll check out the other quarterback after practice today." Why does Woodley think Stafford will play? "I just believe he is," Woodley said. Woodley said the Steelers are operating that way as a team. Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said the same thing, saying he was basing it on ..."

Matthew Stafford doesn't practice, doesn't talk about injury

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October 7

Detroit News

"Lions starting quarterback Matthew Stafford was held out of practice Wednesday, three days after suffering a right kneecap subluxation --or partial dislocation -- in a 48-24 loss to the Chicago Bears. Veteran Daunte Culpepper took the first-team snaps during the portion of practice open to the media. He is expected start Sunday's game against Pittsburgh if Stafford is unable to play. Lions coach Jim Schwartz would not comment on Stafford's availability. Stafford was not made available for comment."

Stafford coy, unconcerned about knee

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October 6

Detroit Free Press

"Detroit Lions rookie quarterback Matthew Stafford played coy about his knee injury today, deferring questions to coach Jim Schwartz. But he indicated it wasn't serious and that he might be able to play Sunday against Pittsburgh. Stafford, the No. 1 pick in the NFL draft, was not in the locker room while it was open to reporters today, a day after he suffered a right knee injury in Sunday's 48-24 loss at Chicago. But he made his weekly sponsored appearance on Free Press columnist Mitch Albom's radio show on WJR-AM (760). Multiple reports have said Stafford suffered a dislocated, or partially dislocated, kneecap and that it popped back into place. He suffered a similar injury to the same ..."

Lions say injured Stafford is day to day

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October 5

Detroit News

"Lions coach Jim Schwartz said it is "possible" that rookie quarterback Matthew Stafford could play against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday after suffering a patellar subfluxation, or temporary dislocation, of the right kneecap against the Chicago Bears Sunday. It's the same kneecap he hurt as a high school senior, the last time he missed a game to injury. "Matt is day-to-day with a knee and we'll see where he is on Wednesday," Schwartz said."

Lions' Schwartz: Stafford is day-to-day with injury

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October 5

Detroit Free Press

"Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford is day-to-day with a knee injury, coach Jim Schwartz said today. Schwartz declined to comment on reports that Stafford suffered a dislocated kneecap during Sunday's 48-24 loss at Chicago. He said only that Stafford had completed medical testing and the Lions would know more about his status when they resume practicing Wednesday. Asked whether Stafford needed to practice by Wednesday or Thursday to play Sunday against Pittsburgh, Schwartz said he would not place a deadline on it. Schwartz also said Derrick Williams will take over kickoff returns from fellow rookie Aaron Brown, who has struggled the past three games. Williams, a third-round pick, ..."

Yell, no? Stafford plays it coy

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October 5

Chicago Sun-Times

"In the first quarter, Matthew Stafford was high-stepping off the field in celebration. In the third quarter, he was backpedaling on the field under siege. In the fourth, he was limping on the sideline, with his parka on and an ice pack on his injured right knee. As progressions go, that's not exactly a positive sign for the Lions and their rookie quarterback. And it provided a painful backdrop in Sunday's 48-24 loss at Soldier Field, where the Lions -- who'd taken one step forward with last week's skid-busting victory -- made a hasty retreat to their old form. Tied at halftime with their would-be division rivals, they somehow duplicated their season-opening pratfall at New Orleans. The ..."

Lions rookie QB Matthew Stafford looks great ... for a half

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October 5

Chicago Tribune

"Matthew Stafford wasn't half bad. He dissected the Bears' defense with the precision of a Pro Bowl veteran. Then came the second half. The Detroit Lions' rookie quarterback, the No. 1 overall pick in the draft out of Georgia, lost his rhythm and limped off the field with a knee injury in the fourth quarter of the Bears' 48-24 victory Sunday at Soldier Field. "I'm fine," said Stafford, who completed 24 of 36 passes for 296 yards and a touchdown. He connected with Calvin Johnson on a 45-yard pass on the first play of the game. "I felt like we played pretty well in the first half on offense. We moved the ball and got some chunks of yardage on big plays. In the second half, we just couldn't ..."

Source: Stafford has dislocated kneecap

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October 5

Detroit Free Press

"Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford, the No.1 pick in the NFL draft, left Sunday's 48-24 loss to the Bears with a right knee injury. "He twisted his knee a little bit," coach Jim Schwartz said. "Obviously we'll have to do a lot of tests and those kind of things. He wasn't able to really get it warmed back up again, and we didn't want to put him back in the game." ESPN reported Sunday evening that Stafford's injury was a dislocated kneecap that popped back in while he was on the sideline, an injury that could cost him a game or two. Stafford had a similar injury to the same knee before his senior season in high school and missed a couple of games. He needed surgery after a horseplay ..."

Matthew Stafford injured during Lions' loss to Bears

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October 4

Michigan Live

"The Detroit Lions lost their 14th straight game on the road and now they're hoping they don't lose their starting quarterback as well. The Lions were beaten 48-24 by the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on Sunday. The Lions are now 1-3 while the Bears improve to 3-1. Lions rookie quarterback Matthew Stafford suffered a right knee injury in the fourth quarter and did not return to the game. Stafford, who was hurt while being sacked, appeared like he wanted to come back, but was limping noticeably and had his right knee taped. Stafford is expected to undergo more tests today to determine the extent of the injury. Stafford committed a pair of turnovers deep in Detroit territory and the Bears ..."

Bears need to pressure Matthew Stafford

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October 4

Chicago Tribune

"Matthew Stafford, QBStafford was the first pick in the draft, but he has yet to play like it. Stafford has completed only 53.4 percent of his passes and has a passer rating of 57 through three games. At 6 feet 3 and 232 pounds, Stafford is a pure pocket passer who won't beat defenses with his feet but can escape pressure. He has an elite arm and can make all the throws. He is very poised and seems to have grasped the Lions' offense quickly, as his 38 score on the Wonderlic suggested he would. Stafford does not get rattled if he throws an interception."

Bears don't expect easy prey in Lions QB Stafford

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October 1

Chicago Sun-Times

"While Joe Cool is being reborn in New York with the explosion of Mark Sanchez for the Jets -- he's now being called the ''Sanchize'' -- Matthew Stafford is finding his beginnings with the Detroit Lions much different. For starters, there's no Joe Namath to follow in Motown, and the Lions can barely call themselves a franchise after Matt Millen ran them into the ground. Stafford has some nice offensive players around him, namely wide receiver Calvin Johnson, running back Kevin Smith (who might not play Sunday against the Bears because of a shoulder injury) and tight end Brandon Pettigrew, but that's not nearly as impressive as the supporting cast that Sanchez enjoys. The Lions certainly ..."

Stafford wows Redskins' coaching staff

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September 25

Washington Times

"Detroit Lions rookie quarterback Matthew Stafford's five interceptions are tied for the most in the NFL, his 40.5 passer rating is the league's worst and his team is on a 19-game losing streak. But he has the Washington Redskins' attention heading into Sunday's game at Ford Field. The first pick in April's draft, Stafford won the starting job in training camp over veteran Daunte Culpepper and is 34-for-67 for 357 yards and one touchdown in losses to New Orleans and Minnesota. "He can make all the throws," Redskins defensive coordinator Greg Blache said after practice Thursday. "He's got mobility, and he's got some moxie and savvy about him for a young quarterback. It's always a learning ..."

Stafford learning to rein it in

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September 25

Detroit Free Press

"Lions offensive coordinator Scott Linehan has given rookie quarterback Matthew Stafford a simple instruction. "I wasn't being silly," Linehan said Thursday, "but I said, 'I'll tell you when the score matters. You just play the game.' " Stafford has thrown five interceptions through two NFL starts. Two have come in the fourth quarter, when the Lions have been trailing by more than a touchdown and Stafford was trying to make a play. "I can see him wanting to make something happen," Linehan said. "He wants to get the ball in the end zone. He's got so much confidence in his ability to fit the ball someplace because he's been able to do it." Stafford could rely on his talent in high school and ..."

Matthew Stafford adapting to pressure off the field

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September 25

Detroit News

"He's keeping his sense of humor about it, which is arguably the best sign that Matthew Stafford is no Joey Harrington. Asked if it was comforting to hear his coach, Jim Schwartz, tell the media earlier this week that, "He's our starting quarterback," trying to squelch a controversy before it starts, the rookie shrugged. "Yeah, I mean, I guess it's better than saying something else," Stafford said, smiling. "But I don't really worry about that. I just get ready to win." But is he reallyready? That's the question everyone's asking this week about Stafford, who was awarded the No. 1 job over veteran Daunte Culpepper three weeks, five interceptions and two losses ago and is now -- officially ..."

Matthew Stafford isn't the only young Lion enduring on-the-job training

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September 23

Michigan Live

"While most of the focus is on Detroit Lions' quarterback Matthew Stafford and his struggles with turnovers, the reality of the situation is that a slew of young players are going through some rough patches with their on-the-job training. If the Lions replace injured linebacker Ernie Sims this week with rookie third-round pick DeAndre Levy, the Lions will have a total of five rookies on the field against the Washington Redskins. The Lions also have several second-year players, like fullback Jerome Felton, defensive tackle Andre Fluellen, defensive tackle Landon Cohen and linebacker Jordon Dizon, who play key roles on the team. You have to ask yourself – how much better would the Lions be if ..."

Lions coach Jim Schwartz defends QB Matthew Stafford

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September 23

Detroit News

"The Lions knew there would be some good games and, in all likelihood, a few bad games when they decided to start rookie quarterback Matt Stafford over Daunte Culpepper this season. But could they have imagined five interceptions, the worst passer rating in the league at 40.5, a 0-2 record by a combined score of 72-40, and just one touchdown pass after two games? "I'm not going to sit there and dissect 65 plays every single play and dissect everything about his play," Lions coach Jim Schwartz said during Monday's news conference, when asked how Stafford is progressing. "He's our quarterback. We're pleased with him. He's going to be a very good quarterback in this league and we're going to ..."

Stafford upbeat after tough debut

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September 14

New Orleans Times-Picayune

"In his first regular-season NFL game, Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford's passes were too high, too low, too long and too wide. It wasn't quite the performance the No. 1 overall draft pick envisioned for his debut against the Saints at the Superdome on Sunday. Stafford was far too erratic, missing open receivers and throwing three interceptions as the Saints overpowered the Lions 45-27. "It was tough," Stafford said. "Playing from behind is never easy. That's on us as an offense and me as the quarterback, the leader of the offense. "I made some mistakes. We all did as an offense, but I'll just learn from it and try to come back and get ready for next week." Stafford, who won ..."

Matthew Stafford shrugs off Saints' taunts

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September 10

Detroit Free Press

"The Saints don't seem scared of Matthew Stafford. But Stafford doesn't seem scared of them, either. After Lions coach Jim Schwartz named Stafford the starting quarterback for Sunday's season opener, the New Orleans Times-Picayune asked some Saints for their thoughts. Defensive end Jeff Charleston called Stafford "fresh meat." Defensive end Bobby McCray said it would be "very important that we break his spirit early." Stafford chuckled when those comments were relayed to him Wednesday. "I'm sure I'll get that probably all year, so I might as well get used to it," Stafford said. "Football is football. That's going to happen. People are going to talk. So that's fine. It makes it fun." ..."