X-rays negative for Lions QB Matthew Stafford's hand

Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford was optimistic that his left hand would be fine after undergoing X-rays.

X-Rays on Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford's hand came back negative, head coach Jim Caldwell announced on Monday.

The quarterback was optimistic that his left hand would be fine after undergoing X-rays following the Lions’ loss to the Vikings on Sunday, reports the Detroit Free Press.

“I didn’t study [the X-rays], so I don’t know [what the results were],” Stafford said. “I wouldn’t think [anything is wrong].”

Stafford, who is righthanded, was sacked seven times and hit 13 times in the Detroit’s 28–19 loss. In the third quarter, after his fifth sack, Stafford spoke with the trainers and returned to the field with a wrap and glove over his left hand.

He was able to play the remainder of the game, though coach Jim Caldwell had backup quarterback Dan Orlovsky warm up, just in case.

“Obviously, [he] felt it and it was a little bit of an issue for him there for a little bit, so he’s getting it looked at obviously to see what the extent of it is,” Caldwell said. “But I asked him if he could function and he could function fine. But we couldn’t take any pressure off him running the ball. We were not effective.”

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With the loss, the Lions fell to 1–6 as Stafford completed 18 of 26 passes for 256 yards with two touchdowns. He has now been sacked 16 times this season, tied for seventh most among NFL quarterbacks.

Stafford also sustained bruised ribs at the hands of the Vikings in Week 2. He underwent X-rays for that injury as well, but has not missed a game since the 2010 season.

Detroit will play the Kansas City Chiefs (2–5) at Wembley Stadium in London in Week 8.

- Erin Flynn