Lions Monday Playback: Another Lions quarterback suffers injury
ALLEN PARK, Mich. - The Lions' quarterback depth chart is taking on the look of a demolition derby, forcing coach Jim Schwartz to work around a growing injury list to name a starter for Sunday's game at Miami.
Drew Stanton has joined the injury list, with what a source close to the Lions identified Monday as a third-degree separation of his left shoulder.
Stanton was injured late in the first half of Sunday's 23-20 overtime victory over the Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa.
Stanton went into the locker room in the final minute of the half for treatment after being hit. The treatment reportedly included a pain-killing injection in Stanton's shoulder that allowed him to finish the game.
Because of the injury, Stanton's role in the running game was limited.
The status of the Lions' quarterbacks is up in the air for Sunday's final road game at Miami.
Three of the four quarterbacks on the roster are injured.
Stanton apparently will try to play Sunday, assuming coach Jim Schwartz tabs him. Pain management and his ability to function physically will be key issues in determining whether Stanton can play.
Matthew Stafford has started only three games because of two injuries to his right (passing) shoulder. Shaun Hill, the No. 2 quarterback when Stafford is healthy, has missed five games because of broken left forearm and a broken index finger on his right (passing) hand.
Because of the finger injury, Hill was inactive for two games. He was elevated to the backup role for the Tampa Bay game.
Stanton did not talk about the injury after the game, and players were given Monday off and weren't available to the media.
Schwartz did not specifically mention the degree of Stanton's injury during his regular Monday press conference.
Schwartz said he might wait until game day to name a starter.
When asked about his level of concern for Stanton's shoulder and how it would impact a decision on naming a starter, Schwartz replied: "It's going to be on the radar screen."
Rookie Zac Robinson, claimed on waivers earlier in the season, is the only healthy quarterback on the roster.
Schwartz did not name a starter for Tampa Bay until game day, and he indicated Wednesday that he likely will follow the same schedule this week.
Stanton played well throughout the game, and he has been the starter for two straight streak-busting victories. The victory over Tampa Bay ended a streak of 26 straight road losses. The Lions' 7-3 win over Green Bay the previous week ended a streak of 19 losses against opponents in the NFC North Division.
Schwartz gave Stanton credit for his performance against Tampa Bay, calling it the best game he has seen Stanton play in his two years as head coach of the Lions.
"Drew definitely played very well," Schwartz said. "We have a lot of other considerations there
