Head coach Jim Schwartz has yet to name a starter for this Sunday's game against the Giants, and with every passing day Matthew Stafford gets closer to returning. According to Jennifer Hammond, Stafford alternated reps with Shaun Hill today at practice, leading to speculation that Stafford is a legitimate option to start on Sunday.
Chris McCosky of The Detroit News elaborated on Hammond's tweet in a story, saying Stafford threw "mostly lobbing sideline routes." He went on to speculate that Stafford is not likely to start. Killer Kowalski seconded that and says it's "likely" Stafford will return on Halloween after the Lions' bye week.
It wouldn't make much sense if Stafford plays at less than 100%. It is more likely that Stafford dresses as one of the backups this Sunday -- according to Dave Birkett of The Free Press, Stafford packed his helmet for the trip.
As for Calvin Johnson, he practiced, but was limited again. Chris McCosky said he wore pads to non-padded drills with his injured right shoulder taped down, so that he could grow comfortable with the limited range of motion. Killer Kowalski is calling Johnson a game-time decision, while Dave Birkett's two cents say Johnson will play.