ALLEN PARK -- The Lions are optimistic that linebacker Zack Follett will return to action next season.

“We remain optimistic, from where he was on the field to where he is now, he’s had a lot of good news. Any time you’re talking about necks and backs, there’s going to be a certain amount of gray area so to speak,’’ coach Jim Schwartz said. “We’re optimistic that he’ll be able to continue. We’re still evaluating we’re still gathering information, he’s still gathering information.’’

Follett was shut down for the remainder of this season when he was placed on injured reserve on Wednesday night.

He injured his neck after a helmet-to-helmet hit in the loss at the Giants on Oct. 17.

“As we continue to be optimistic about Zack’s recovery and where he is, we also have to be a little bit realistic on his availability to come back at a point this year,’’ Schwartz said.

It has been his philosophy to err on the side of caution when it comes to injuries.

“He’s still getting more and more information, more and more tests done, but we don’t have any reason not to be optimistic. It probably makes a little more sense not to put it on the radar screen for this year,’’ Schwartz added.

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