Lions QB Matthew Stafford says the knee and shoulder injuries that forced him to miss four games and parts of another during his rookie season are healing as planned.

Browns QB Brady Quinn could be on the move, but it will not be to Carolina, a league source has told the Charlotte Observer.

With the second overall pick in April’s NFL draft, the Lions have been linked most closely with Oklahoma’s Gerald McCoy and Nebraska’s Ndamukong Suh — widely considered the top two defensive tackles in the draft. But league sources maintain that Oklahoma State’s Russell Okung, a left tackle, remains high on the Lions’ radar because protecting quarterback Matthew Stafford is a top priority.

The signing of WR Nate Burleson is good news for the fantasy value of QB Matthew Stafford.

Matthew Stafford, the No. 1 overall pick in last year’s draft, did not post impressive statistics, but what he did do was provide the downtrodden club with some hope.

Lions coach Jim Schwartz announced Wednesday that Drew Stanton will make his first NFL career start this weekend against the 49ers, keeping veteran backup Daunte Culpepper on the bench.

After going scoreless in one half with Daunte Culpepper, the Lions opened the second half of Sunday’s game against the Cardinals with Drew Stanton at quarterback.

Lions WR Calvin Johnson is active and will start Sunday against the Cardinals.

Lions coach Jim Schwartz said RB Kevin Smith will have season-ending surgery on his left knee, MLive.com reports.

It appears the Ravens could be without safety Ed Reed for a second consecutive game.

Lions coach Jim Schwartz announced Wednesday that veteran backup QB Daunte Culpepper will start this weekend against the Ravens while rookie starter Matthew Stafford rests his sore left shoulder.

Devin Hester and Matthew Stafford were among the notable players who sustained injuries in Week 13.

Just four days after injuring his non-throwing shoulder in a wild win over the Cleveland Browns, QB Matthew Stafford started for the Detroit Lions in their annual Thanksgiving Day game against the Green Bay Packers.

Matthew Stafford was mic’d up for his gritty-gutty performance against the Browns in Week 11, which ended when he ran back onto the field with an injured shoulder to throw the game-winning touchdown pass with no time left on the clock.

Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford did not participate in practice Wednesday and is listed as doubtful for the team’s annual Thanksgiving Day game.