Feb. 25, 2011
INDIANAPOLIS -- Before he watched the first workout by a prospect at the NFL Scouting Combine, Lions coach Jim Schwartz was asked to give an update on the health of quarterback Matthew Stafford.
The Lions are viewed as a rising team in the NFL, based on the production of talented young players such as Calvin Johnson and Ndamukong Suh, but a lot depends on Stafford's performance in his third season.
Schwartz was in regular-season mode when asked Thursday about Stafford's recovery from surgery on his right (passing) shoulder Jan. 21.
Schwartz doesn't discuss injuries in depth during the season, and he did stray far from that position at a press conference at the NFL Scouting Combine.
"I really don't have any updates on his medical condition," Schwartz said. "Just like all our players -- they're all working hard. I'm not going to talk about that."
Schwartz answered questions on a number of issues, including the Lions' being found guilty of tampering by the NFL, their preparations for the draft in April, and the recent signing of safety Erik Coleman.
Schwartz continued to support Stafford's ability to be a franchise quarterback, despite the injuries that caused him to miss 19 of 32 games in his first two seasons.
Stafford played only three games in 2010 because of two injuries to his right shoulder. He played 10 games as a rookie, with injuries to his left shoulder and right knee.
"He's been injured," Schwartz said. "He missed however many games it is. It doesn't take away for the confidence we have in him and his abilities and things like that.
"We think there are great things ahead for Matthew Stafford. There are great things for the Detroit lions."
Schwartz is doing his rehabilitation work at Dr. James Andrews' medical facility in Pensacola, Fla. Andrews did the surgery on Stafford when Stafford continued to experience problems with the shoulder that was injured originally on opening day of 2010.
The rehab programs of all players could be affected if the owners lock out the players.
The owners and players are in negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement. The current deal expires at 11:59 p.m. on March 3.
If there is no CBA, teams are not allowed to have any contact with players. That includes monitoring the progress of injured players.
"The way we are with our rehab schedule is basically the way we rehabbed all our players all along," Schwartz said. "I'm very hopeful we will continue on that track and won't have any interruptions.
"I think the key word there is
