GREEN BAY, Wis. -- Lions quarterback Shaun Hill perhaps mistakenly gave insight into the return of Matthew Stafford after Sunday’s 28-26 loss to the Packers.

When talking about his interceptions he said they were the result of not playing together much with the starting wide receivers. Then he said, “Those are soon to be alleviated.”

Perhaps that didn’t mean anything, but it sounds like he’s going to be the starter for at least the next little while.

If Matthew Stafford, who is out with a separated throwing shoulder, was telling the truth when he talked to the media last week -- and there is no reason to doubt him -- he’s on a day-to-day schedule and has no planned date for a return. He is throwing lightly, but has not practiced.

The Lions play the St. Louis Rams at home on Sunday, then play at the New York Giants on Oct. 17. Then they have a bye week.

If Stafford is near ready the next two weeks, it would not be surprising if the Lions held him out until after the bye week. Coach Jim Schwartz always likes to err on the side of caution when it comes to injuries. Also Stafford said he wants to come back when he’s completely ready to go.

The Lions are 0-4 but it is not all because of Hill. He has played well enough to keep the Lions in games until the end. Sunday at Lambeau Field, a tough place to play, he had his best game yet.

One thing we know for sure. There is no quarterback controversy. When Stafford is healthy and ready he will move back into the starting role.

(Follow me on Twitter @PaulaPasche.)