Based on the press release put out by the Lions earlier tonight and a report by Dave Birkett, the impression I got was that surgery was no longer a consideration for Matthew Stafford. It sounded like Stafford would go forward with strictly rehab and either return toward the end of the season if the injury heals quick enough or just wait to play again until next season.
According to ESPN's Chris Mortensen, however, surgery has not been ruled out just yet for Stafford. While it's possible surgery won't be required, Mortensen is reporting that it has not been ruled out, either.
Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford visited with noted orthopedist Dr. James Andrews on Monday and will continue to rehab his separated shoulder, but a source told ESPN that surgery has not been ruled out as an option.
The source also said that Stafford could opt for a cortisone injection after rehabbing the shoulder during the next two weeks to see if he could return before the end of the season.
The Lions are taking a wait and see approach to this situation, as it doesn't appear there is a concrete solution to this injury just yet. It's possible the rehab could be enough for it to heal, but based on Mortensen's report, surgery is not completely being ruled out yet. I would imagine the Lions will know more in a couple weeks after Stafford continues rehabbing.