Will Stafford play on Sunday?

That's the $64,000.00 question. Head coach Jim Schwartz said that Matthew had made significant progress with his injury, and that it's going to be a game-time decision if he would play on Sunday.

DetNews.com - Lions' Matthew Stafford moves closer to start vs. Rams
ESPN - Physical therapist Stephania Bell's blog
DetroitLions.com - Rookie Class has Looked Good Thus Far

Thursday update

Not much to update, but Matthew did practiced on Thursday without any setbacks, so it's looking like he might play on Sunday.

MLive.com - Lions' Matthew Stafford, Calvin Johnson practice today
DetroitLions.com - Head Coach Jim Schwartz Post-Practice Quote Sheet
Dallas News - Young quarterbacks have NFL coaches throwing out old beliefs
SLTToday.com - Is there a 'franchise' QB to be found in Rams future?

No setback from Tuesday's practice

Matthew didn't appear to suffer any setbacks from yesterday's practice. According to reports, he seems to be practicing without any limitations. There's no word yet if he will play on Sunday.

Associated Press - Stafford practices for second straight day
MLive.com - Lions' Matthew Stafford practices, but Calvin Johnson sits out again
ESPN - New crop has followed Ryan, Flacco
Star News Online - Rams-Lions Preview
MLive.com - Ink stained
DetroitLions.com - Conference call audio

Stafford back at practice

Matthew was back at practice on Tuesday. He took about half of the first-team reps. He's waiting to see how his knee reacts to practice and doesn't know yet if he will play on Sunday.

He also updated his NameDrop blog. He talked about what he did during the bye week, his love for Mexican food, the Georgia-Florida game, and getting ready for the Rams.

Lionsfans.com - Stafford Returns To Practice
DetNews.com - Matthew Stafford back at practice but status remains uncertain
FreeP.com - Lions' Stafford, Johnson healing, might play
Associated Press - Lions' Stafford limited in return to practice
MLive.com - QB Matthew Stafford returns to practice; Lions consider more changes
The Oakland Press - Big test Wednesday

WJR.com - Matthew's weekly interview with Mitch Albom
DetroitLions.com - Post-practice locker room interviews

Stafford will try to practice on Tuesday

Sorry for the lack of updates lately, but the since the Lions had a bye week and there were no news, I decided to take an extended bye weekend from the blog also.

Matthew told WJR's Mitch Albom during his weekly interview, that he will try to practice on Tuesday.

DetNews.com - Stafford still giving injury talk the 'run around'
MLive.com - Despite injury, Lions' Matthew Stafford a better quarterback than Jets' Mark Sanchez
Daily Tribune - Lions have left us with some big questions to answer
DetNews.com - Stafford watch
The Oakland Press - Two QBs practice
FreeP.com - Many no-shows at Lions’ morning practice
DetNews.com - Lions QB Matthew Stafford should watch how Tom Brady does it

Also, I found this video that was posted by FOXSports. It's an animated look at rookie hazing. I think it's hilarious.

Stafford throws but doesn't practice

Matthew threw the ball on Thursday, but he did not practice. He says that he's moving around normally, but he's not running yet.

FreeP.com - Stafford gets in a light workout
MLive.com - Stafford stretches out arm, but sits out Lions practice
DetNews.com - Lions aren't rushing Matthew Stafford back from injury
ESPN - Air and Space: Adventures in the red zone
WJR.com - Matthew's weekly interview with Mitch Albom (the train part in the middle of the interview is hilarious)

A trip down memory lane

Scott Kennedy of Scout.com has posted this video of Highland Park's 2005 semi-final game against Stephenville, which was led by current Ole Miss QB Jevan Snead. I remember watching this game online, and it was a nailbiter. Matthew threw the game-winning TD with 37 seconds left in the game.

After some searching for what seem all over the net, I finally found some photos from the game.


Walking out of the tunnel before the game


Set to pass


Praying in the final minutes when Stephenville had the lead


Celebrating


Signing autographs after the game

Stafford talks about being impersonated on social networks

Lots of updates today, but they'll probably be few and far in between these next two weeks since the Lions have a bye this Sunday.

The NFL Players Association has posted a feature on Matthew. It includes an interview, photos, videos, etc. You can also watch the NFLPA's "Strength In Numbers" TV commercial.

Also, Matthew has updated his NameDrop blog, and he had some interesting things to say about people impersonating him on social networking sites. If you remember, last week Grand Rapids Press writer Brian VanOchten cited a fake Twitter account on his column. The Twitter poster claimed to be Matthew, and he or she posted comments regarding Matthew's presence at practice on Thursday which were untrue. The whole thing caused a stir among fans until Lions' officials verified that the account was fake.

By the way, MLive.com is advertising Matthew's NameDrop site. Here's the banner that they are using.

MLive.com - Lions rookie quarterback Matthew Stafford not concerned his injured knee with need surgery
FreeP.com - Lions QB Matthew Stafford hasn't been told his season's in jeopardy
NFL.com - Lions QB Stafford will be evaluated by noted orthopedic surgeon
DetNews.com - Stafford faces critical date
Roar Report - Hope on the Horizon for Detroit?

Opinion
DetNews.com - Lions are nobodies without Stafford, Calvin Johnson
MLive.com - Brian VanOchten on The Huge Show: Without Matthew Stafford, Lions could be headed to 1-15

Stafford denies MRI report

Matthew did not play against the Green Bay Packers today. He was once again the emergency third QB for this game. The Lions lost 26-0.

Also, earlier today, ESPN's Chris Mortensen reported that Matthew's knee had swelled up on Wednesday, and that he had had a second MRI done that would be sent to renowned orthopedic specialist Dr. James Andrews for evaluation. The Detroit Lions dismissed the report as gossip. After the game, Matthew stated that he had not heard of any report, and that he had no plans to visit Dr. Andrews.

NFL.com - Game Center
Covers.com - Stafford new MRI, Culpepper hurt, Lions down to Stanton
DetNews.com - Matthew Stafford inactive again as speculation simmers

Sunday morning update

More like non-update since there's not much to update. There's no word yet if Matthew will play against the Packers.

FreeP.com - Will the real Stafford please tweet up
Associated Press - Call on Stafford being made Sunday
MLive.com - Lions' Matthew Stafford, Calvin Johnson miss practice again

Stafford misses practice on Thursday

Matthew missed practice on Thursday. He did not talk to the media either.

FreeP.com - Still no decision for Stafford on Sunday
DetNews.com - Matthew Stafford sits out Lions practice
DetNews.com - Matthew Stafford's recovery hits snag
ESPN - Quarterbacks injury status updates
Packer Report - Behind Enemy Lines: Part 1
Packers.com - Packers Have Minimal History Vs. Rookie No. 1 Draft Picks
Chigaco Sun-Times - Ogunleye appealing fine as Stafford likely to miss 2nd game
The Oakland Press - Three Reasons Matthew Stafford Should Start Sunday

Conspiracy theory?
MLive.com - Did Matthew Stafford really practice with the Lions on Wednesday?

Stafford returns to practice

Matthew returned to practice on Wednesday. He is still day to day, and it's unknown if he'll play on Sunday against the Green Bay Packers.

The Green Bay Press-Gazette has posted a scouting report of the Lions. They interviewed several coaches and scouts of teams that have played against the Lions recently. There are some interesting comments so check it out.

FreeP.com - Lions' Stafford moves well
MLive.com - Lions' Matthew Stafford back at practice; status for Sunday remains questionable
DetNews.com - Matthew Stafford practicing, status for Packers still in doubt
FreeP.com - Lions wouldn't jeopardize Stafford's, Johnson's health
Associated Press - Stafford practices, still in doubt for Packers game
DetroitLions.com - Matthew Stafford Locker Room Interview

ESPN - Countdown Daily Injury Report: NFC North

Tuesday update

According to Lions QB Drew Stanton, "[Matthew] seems like he will be good to go this week."

760 WJR - Weekly interview with Mitch Albom
ESPN Rise - Young Gun
FreeP.com - Lions QB Stafford's injury status still uncertain
DetNews.com - Stafford to start?
Packer Report - Next Opponent: Detroit Lions

Opinion
MLive.com - Tom Kowalski on WDFN: Daunte Culpepper played well, but Lions would have fared better with Matthew Stafford
MLive.com - Matthew Stafford gives Lions best chance

"Matt is our starting quarterback"

That's what head coach Jim Schwartz said on Monday.

Matthew has updated his NameDrop blog. He talks about his knee, the team's performance's against Pittsburgh, going to Lambeau Field and Georgia's loss to Tennessee (Ugh, I could have done without the reminder).

DetNews.com - Mike O'Hara: NFL Monday Countdown
Associated Press - Lions want wins, not rest for Stafford and Johnson

Tweet of the Week
cr0wley: Despite Matthew Stafford's absence on the field yesterday, he was able to pay a visit to my dreams/spank bank last night.

On the sideline against the Steelers

Matthew was inactive and listed as No. 3 QB against the Steelers due to his injured knee. Daunte Culpepper started instead of Matthew. The Lions lost 28-20.

MLive.com - Stafford does not workout prior to game
FreeP.com - Culpepper an asset, Stafford should still start
DetNews.com - Fighting to the end

Photos
FreeP.com
DetNews.com
Daylife

DetroitLions.com - Throwing before the game

Friday updates

A few interesting updates today. Matthew practiced on Friday even though he didn't run. Chicago Bears DE Adewale Ogunleye was fined by the NFL for the sack that injured Matthew on Sunday. Former FNL QB and No. 1 draft pick Terry Bradshaw talks about the rookie QBs. Plus Matthew updated his NameDrop blog.

NationalFootballPost.com - NFL fines Ogunleye for sack that injured Stafford
DetNews.com - Lions' Matthew Stafford works in some practice drills
MLive.com - Quick quip: Terry Bradshaw chooses Stafford
DetNews.com - Matthew Stafford practices, Daunte Culpepper says he's ready
FreeP.com - Stafford questionable for Sunday
MLive.com - Lions' Daunte Culpepper says he doesn't know who's starting at QB
DetNews.com - Mike O'Hara: Lions' Schwartz should not be too cautious with Matthew Stafford
FreeP.com - Out this week or not, Stafford should be starter

Stafford talks about his knee injury

Not much on updates today. Just a few articles, but Matthew did talk about his injury to the media. Click here to watch the video.

NFL.com - Mum's the word: Stafford, Lions not saying much about QB's injury
NBCSports.com - The days of grooming rookie QBs are over
DetNews.com - Lions' Matthew Stafford misses practice for second day
MLive.com - Lions' Matthew Stafford doesn't practice and is unlikely to play on Sunday
MLive.com - 'Not the same injury' from high school

Countdown Daily Injury News: NFC North

Stafford misses practice; May still play

Matthew did not practice on Wednesday. No word yet on whether he will start on Sunday or not.

The Oakland Press - Stafford sits out
FreeP.com - Steelers prepare for an injured Stafford
DetroitLions.com - Sunday's Starter Still Unknown
DetroitLions.com - Conference Call Transcript: Steelers' Head Coach Mike Tomlin
Steelers.com - Lions conference calls: Head Coach Jim Schwartz
Associated Press - Lions QB Stafford misses practice with knee injury
Lionsfans.com - Stafford Among 5 Starters Who Miss Practice
DetNews.com - Lions' Matthew Stafford doesn't practice, doesn't talk about injury

Change of heart. Another skeptic is turned into a believer.
The Scores Report - A Chat with Phil Simms

Cool Tweets
beeisawesome: "I hate myself for thinking this, but Matt Stafford has a very striking smile."
swarheit: "I care far less about losing the game to Chicago as I do about the status of Matt Stafford's knee. He needs to keep playing and learning"
JasonIsbell: "Strange... I went to the ortho with my knee today, and so did Matt Stafford..."
LarryLage: "Lions QB Matthew Stafford didn't practice because of his injured right knee, and that's all the team has to say about that"

NFL Players Association: Q&A with Matthew Stafford

NFL Players Association has posted a Q&A with Matthew. There are some amusing anecdotes so check it out. I just have to say 'poor Mrs. Stafford.' It sounds like she had her hands full with Matthew when he was a child.

760 WJR - Listen to Mitch Albom's weekly interview with Matthew
ESPN.com - Bears QB Jay Cutler talks about the NFC North QBs
ESPN.com - John Clayton: Look for the Lions to rest Stafford
SteelCityInsider.com - Mike Tomlin press conference
MLive - Jim Schwartz says Matthew Stafford needs exposure to pressure teams like Pittsburgh Steelers

Stafford is 'day to day'

Matthew has updated his NameDrop blog. He talks about his injury, the loss against the Bears, the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Georgia Bulldogs and the Michigan weather.

NFL.com - Schwartz considers Stafford ‘day to day’ after injury (w/ video)
NFL.com - Schwartz: 'It's possible' Stafford could start against Steelers
Associated Press - Lions: Stafford day to day with knee injury
FreeP.com - Lions QB Stafford coy, unconcerned about knee
DetNews.com - Stafford the right pick
DetNews.com - Turn up the radio
Fanhouse.com - Fans of Bears, Lions Finally Have Quarterbacks to Cheer
FreeP.com - No Stafford, no reason to watch the Lions

Stafford to undergo more tests on Monday

ESPN and FOXSports are reporting that Matthew's injury is a subluxation (dislocation) of his right kneecap. He will undergo more tests on Monday to determine the severity of the injury. Let's hope for good results. Best wishes for a speedy recovery Matthew.

On almost forgotten news, the Lions lost to the Bears 48-24.

FreeP.com - Stafford leaves game with knee injury
LionsFans.com - The Good, Bad, And Ugly
NFL.com - Game Center
NFL.com - Lions examining if rookie QB Stafford has dislocated right kneecap
ESPN.com - Lions' Stafford needs MRI, X-rays
FreeP.com - Lions can't afford to take chances with rookie QB
MLive.com - Lions' Matthew Stafford continues to pass tests; can he now survive injury bug?
Chicago Times - Yell, no? Stafford plays it coy
Chicago Tribune - Lions rookie QB Matthew Stafford looks great ... for a half
ESPN.com - Detroit Lions vs. Chicago Bears recap
CBSSports - Rapid Reports

Photos
DetNews.com
DetroitLions.com 1st Half, 2nd Half
Chicago Tribune
ESPN
USPresswire
Daylife.com

NFL.com - Stafford highlights
FOXSports.com - Injury update

Stafford injured against Bears

Matthew injured his right knee during the fourth quarter against the Chicago Bears. No word yet on the seriousness of the injury. Let's hope everything is alright.

FreeP.com - Stafford leaves game with knee injury
MLive.com - Quarterback Matthew Stafford injured late in Lions' 48-24 loss to Bears
NFL.com - Stafford out against Bears with knee injury

'Sling that thing!'

MLive.com - Matthew Stafford needs your help
ESPN.com - Air and space: Downfield throwing

If you have not watched this video of head coach Jim Schwartz mic'd up during the game against the Redskins I suggest you do. It's pretty good.