Although nothing officially was said about Matthew Stafford's timetable to return from his right shoulder injury, the general consensus was that he would miss anywhere from two to eight weeks. Well, returning against the Vikings would meet the minimum of that range, as his injury happened two weeks ago on Sunday. Very few actually expect Stafford to return on Sunday, but Jim Schwartz wouldn't rule him out when asked about a timetable today.
"I think we're open-minded on that," Schwartz said in a conference call with two Twin Cities reporters when asked about the timetable for Stafford's return from an injured throwing shoulder.
"It just really depends on how he's feeling, and if he's feeling good and throwing well, can make all the throws, then we make that decision, and if he's not, then we hold him back. But it'll be judged on him and how he's feeling -- not an artificial timetable that we set before we even knew where we were going with it."
I still would be surprised if Stafford is able to play on Sunday, but if he can make all the throws and isn't seriously risking further injury, then by all means play him. I think after last year, the Lions will make certain that Stafford isn't rushed back, so if he's good to go then he should be in the starting lineup.