Quarterback Matthew Stafford always has been somewhat of a gunslinger. Even during his days at Georgia, he would hurl the ball sidearm or underhand at times if that was the best way to get the pass off.

He's done it with greater frequency the last two weeks, which, given he's coming off right shoulder surgery, has raised some concern about the health of his arm.

Coach Jim Schwartz, doing his weekly spot on 97.1 on Tuesday, calmed those concerns.

"He's thrown a couple sidearm, but going back, he's made those throws before, particularly on play-action passes where he's trying to get it underneath," Schwartz said. "He's gotten some balls tipped. I think he had two in a row tipped last game and those were on high passes. A lot of times he drops down on tight end screens or play-action to get rid of the ball quicker and get it underneath the outstretched arms."

Stafford was asked directly about the sidearm throws after the 49ers game, and said he's always done that with certain passes and there were no problems with his arm or shoulder.

Lions QB Matthew Stafford said on WJR today his ankle injury is "just a sprain, I guess. It's kind of in a weird spot ..."

Matthew Stafford suffered a right leg injury late in Sunday’s loss to the Falcons.

Per a source with knowledge of the situation, Stafford will have an MRI to examine whether and to what extent he has damage to both his knee and his ankle.

Lions TE Tony Scheffler (concussion) missed practice again Thursday. If Scheffler misses Sunday's game, Pettigrew could see a few extra looks from Matthew Stafford.

Lions TE Tony Scheffler (concussion) did not practice Wednesday. Brandon Pettigrew has established himself as a go-to weapon for Matthew Stafford, and Scheffler can't steal any targets if he's sidelined.

Lions QB Matthew Stafford (right forearm) took full practice reps all week. He's good to go for Week 4.

Lions QB Matthew Stafford (right forearm) took full practice reps Wednesday and Thursday.

Lions QB Matthew Stafford (right forearm) took full practice reps Wednesday. There shouldn't be anything to worry about here. Stafford has held up well so far this season.

Lions HC Jim Schwartz said that Matthew Stafford has "far exceeded our expectations of how quickly he’s upped the speed and things like that. We just need to keep him on the field and we’ll get great things from Matt."

Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford threw for 200 yards and two touchdowns in less than a half, leading the Detroit Lions to a 34-10 preseason victory over the New England Patriots on Saturday night.

New England quarterback Tom Brady struggled, connecting on just over half of his passes for 145 yards with a TD and an interception for New England (2-1).

The Lions and their sellout crowd at Ford Field were clearly fired up for the nationally televised game against the elite Patriots.

Stafford and Detroit’s defensive front were impressive in the third preseason game, one that both teams treated like a real game for much of the first half.

The dazzling performance was another example of how much upside Stafford has if he stays healthy. Detroit's defense showed why they're on the fantasy radar for the first time in years. New England shouldn't have any trouble getting back on track once the regular season starts.