Lions QB Matthew Stafford (shoulder out) did not practice Friday, as expected. Stafford will meet with Dr. Andrews on Monday to get another opinion on the shoulder and his options. Stafford has not yet been placed on IR, but doesn't look likely to return for any meaningful game action this season. Lions QB Shaun Hill (left forearm Probable) took full practice reps Friday and will start against the Bills.

Lions HC Schwartz said if somebody is injured but not on injured reserve -- the subject in this case was kicker Jason Hanson -- it probably means the Lions are expecting him back before the end of the season.

Does that scenario include Matthew Stafford?

"You can read into that however you want to read into it," Schwartz said. "We needed two roster spots and we didn't place (Stafford) on IR with either one of those, including a quarterback we added to the roster."

So the fact that neither Hanson nor Stafford is on injured reserve is a good sign for both?

"You guys are all private detectives, you figure it out," Schwartz said. "Is everybody good? You like that sound bite?"

Lions QB Shaun Hill (left forearm) took full reps Wednesday. HC Jim Schwartz today named Shaun Hill the starter over Drew Stanton. Hill broke his forearm last month, and today was taking all of the reps with the first team offense. Hill wasn't taking snaps under center, so we can expect a lot of shotgun formations this week against the Bills. Hill has been highly effective fantasy wise while starting in place of Matthew Stafford. Stafford is still in the process of gathering opinions on his shoulder. It has been widely speculated that he is headed to the IR, but no decision has been made yet.

Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford’s latest injury to his right shoulder “is worse” than a previous one and it’s unlikely he will play again this season, a source said Tuesday.

Stafford re-injured his right shoulder in the fourth quarter of Sunday’s 23-20 loss to the New York Jets. He initially injured the shoulder in a 19-14, season-opening loss at Chicago.

As previoulsy mentioned, no Stafford means Drew Stanton under center until Shaun Hill can return. Fantasy production for Calvin Johnson will likely head south.

The Detroit Lions fear that quarterback Matthew Stafford might be lost for the season, according to a source close to the situation, after preliminary tests showed that he has a Grade 3 separation of his right shoulder.

Stafford suffered the injury during the Lions' 23-20 overtime loss to the New York Jets on Sunday at Ford Field.

There is not a person in the Lions organization, from top to bottom, that does not worry about how fragile Matthew Stafford is becoming. There are people already drawing comparisons to Chris "chandelier" Chandler.

Lions QB Matthew Stafford will have an MRI on his right shoulder Monday morning.

The fear is he could miss another extended period of time. We'll keep you updated.

Lions QB Matthew Stafford landed on his right shoulder, the same one that was separated and forced him to miss five games this season. Stafford left the game and did not return.

"He's very sore,'' Lions coach Jim Schwartz said. "He hurt his shoulder and wasn't able to finish the game. You guys know how tough he is. If he could have, he would have. We're going to take a pretty serious look at it.''

If Stafford doesn't play next week -- and that's the way it's looking at this point -- this will be the fourth injury that has forced him in miss time in 13 NFL games he's started. Stafford was not available for comment after the game.

The injury is even more critical because Detroit backup Shaun Hill, who broke his left forearm three weeks ago, still is on the mend. Hill was listed as the emergency quarterback for Sunday's game.

"I'm trying to get back as soon as possible no matter what,'' Hill said. "It's been three weeks to the day and to see that kind of healing going on already, I think it's a good sign and with another week it'll be that much better.''

Lions QB Matthew Stafford (foot Probable) took full practice reps Friday and is Probable for week 9. Expect Stafford under center in an unfavorable matchup. Shaun Hill (left forearm Doubtful) was limited at practice Friday and is Doubtful for week 9.

Lions TE Brandon Pettigrew (ankle Probable) was limited at practice Friday and is Probable for week 9. Pettigrew has been limited all week and faces an unfavorable matchup with the Jets. Still, he is likely to play and should receive a few looks from Matthew Stafford.

Lions QB Shaun Hill (left forearm) returned to limited practice Thursday. Matthew Stafford (foot) took full reps and is the unquestioned starter, but Hill's return to practice is a good depth sign for the Lions.