ALLEN PARK -- Never used as an excuse, injuries played a key factor in the Lions (6-10) season this year. Sixteen Lions ended the season on injured reserve.

In a weird way, maybe dealing with the injuries will help the Lions heading into the future because they were able to play younger guys, and pick guys off the waiver wire who could become an integral part of the team starting next season.

“It was obviously an issue to overcome. We didn’t always do a good job with it, but at the end of the year we’re probably in a little better place in some positions because of the injuries we’ve had ,’’ coach Jim Schwartz said on Monday. “We know a little more about some younger players and we’re a little more prepared to deal with things like that in the future.’’

Three Lions will undergo surgery soon. Linebacker DeAndre Levy and safety Louis Delmas will each have groin surgery while cornerback Chris Houston will have shoulder surgery.

Quarterback Matthew Stafford said he should be close to 100 percent in the next month.

Schwartz anticipates a full recovery for Kyle Vanden Bosch who had surgery on a bulging disc in his neck.

“He’s already chomping at the bit, he was lifting weights 12 hours after the surgery or whatever it was,’’ Schwartz said.

Linebacker Zack Follett, who injured his neck on Oct. 17, is still going through treatment and is hopeful to return to football. He expects to have an MRI within the next two months which will give him a better idea.

Quarterback Shaun Hill, who suffered a broken forearm followed by a broken index finger, said he feels as good as he has all season.

(Follow me on Twitter @PaulaPasche.)