CINCINNATI — It was a rough day for Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford. Not only did the Lions lose 23-13 to the Bengals, the rookie also re-injured his left, non-throwing shoulder. He’s unsure if he’ll be able to play on Sunday at Baltimore. Stafford was sacked three times and absorbed eight quarterback hits.  He almost made it until the bitter end, but had to leave the game late in the fourth quarter after his left shoulder was driven into the turf by Bengals linebacker Dhani Jones.

Coach Jim Schwartz said they would not play him if there was a risk of further damage to the shoulder which he initially injured two weeks ago in a win over Cleveland.

Stafford’s teammates have found a new admiration for his toughness since he’s been dealing with the separated shoulder. “You know what, only him and the people have been around as far as the team, know how bad his shoulder has been hurting,’’ safety Louis Delmas said.

Right tackle Gosder Cherilus has suffered the same injury so he knows what Stafford is going through.  “He’s one of the toughest people I’ve ever been around,’’ said Cherilus who compared him to Matt Ryan who he played with at Boston College. “Hats off to the kid, I respect him.’’

Read more about Stafford and the Lions’ loss in Monday’s Oakland Press.
— PAULA PASCHE