ALLEN PARK — Quarterback Matthew Stafford was placed on injured reserve today, ending his rookie season prematurely.

After the doctors determined that his separated shoulder would not  allow him to play in the final game on Jan. 3, the decision was made according to coach Jim Schwartz.

 Stafford will have a minor knee operation on Tuesday.

“We’re going to get a week jump on that since we’re going to declare him out for Chicago. That will be Tuesday in Birmingham, (Ala.). We anticipate a minor surgery just to clean out some irritants and debris. Since he’s had (the injury) he’s had on-and-off swelling, something he’s been able to play through, but it’s also something we knew we needed to address after the season.’’

Stafford injured his left knee late in the Oct. 4 game at Chicago. He missed two starts.

“This is a procedure that our doctors and everybody associated (with it) anticipates him walking out of the operating room,’’ Schwartz added.

Schwartz said the shoulder is on course and should heal with rest. He first separated it on Nov. 22 in the win over Cleveland and then aggravated it at Cincinnati on Dec. 6.

They have not yet signed a third quarterback. It was announced on Wednesday that Drew Stanton will get his first NFL start on Sunday in San Francisco.
— PAULA PASCHE