Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford said his right ankle is "feeling better" after injuring it during Thursday's loss to Minnesota.

Stafford's comments came during his weekly appearance Monday on WJR Radio, where he has briefly discussed his other injuries throughout the season.

Stafford injured the ankle in the fourth quarter on a play that resulted in a touchdown pass to Marvin Jones. After completing the pass, Vikings defensive tackle Tom Johnson rolled onto Stafford's ankle. Stafford stayed on the ground for several minutes before hobbling off. He did not miss a play, but limped heavily to his postgame news conference. Stafford said he stayed in Michigan over the weekend to get treatment on the ankle and that "it's getting better." He said he had X-rays done on the ankle, but wouldn't reveal details of what the tests showed, the story went on to say.

The Lions are optimistic that QB Matthew Stafford will be able to start vs. Saints, despite injuries to his quad and ankle, I’m told.

We had a story earlier today that Stafford was banged up in Week 5 and spent some time in the trainers room following the game. This is the first we've seen specifics for his injuries, however. Be sure to monitor his practice time this week. Stafford plays in an early game in Week 6.

First they taped the upper part of his right leg, just above the knee. Then he took another hit, and they taped around the ankle and foot too.

But Matthew Stafford kept playing. He threw two late touchdown passes to Darren Fells too. Then he hobbled back to the bench, where he'd have another conversation with trainers. And on at least one occasion, get yet another tape job.

By the end of Detroit's 27-24 loss against Carolina, Stafford looked like he was more tape than man. Then his left hand started bleeding. He kept playing through that too.

Stafford was quoted as saying he'll be ok, but neither he nor head coach Jim Caldwell went into details about Stafford's injuries. Stafford's normal press conference was canceled and the story said he was in the training room after the game.

Matthew Stafford has made a home in the Motor City, leading the Detroit Lions on the field and becoming a first-time father with twin girls earlier this year.

“Aggressive start,” Stafford recently cracked.

The Lions, likewise, made an aggressive move to keep their franchise quarterback around for many more years with the richest contract in NFL history.

Stafford agreed to a $135 million extension, according to a person familiar with the deal. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because financial terms of the contract were not disclosed. The team announced the five-year deal keeps Stafford under contract through the 2022 season.

NFC North beat writers were asked about the Lions run game and the possibility of a balanced offense:

Rob Demovsky: In short, no, unless the return of Ameer Abdullah from the foot injury that ruined his 2016 season is a game-changer or Matt Asiata suddenly becomes something more than just the complementary piece he was in Minnesota. Otherwise, it looks a lot like the status quo for the Lions' offense, which will once again rely heavily on quarterback Matthew Stafford.

That's not a bad thing given his ability to get on a hot streak as he showed last season. The good news is he has an upgraded offensive line led by former Packers Pro Bowl guard T.J. Lang to protect him.

Related players: Theo Riddick

All three beat writers who write for opponents of the Lions in the NFC North seemed to agree the Lions will need to rely on Stafford again this season, and the run game's current status won't give the team balance on offense. No one thinks Abdullah is a sure thing, but if he can stay healthy he'll obviously give the run game a little boost.