DEARBORN — A year ago we were in the midst of an NFL lockout. It all worked out so the season did not have to be shortened.

This season, it’s not the players who are locked out, it’s the officials and NFL who may not have an agreement when the season starts.

Speculation is that at least a few games early in the season could be officiated by replacement officials.

This doesn’t seem to be high on the priority list of concerns for the Lions organization.

Lions coach Jim Schwartz said it’s too early to comment about that.

“We’ll play the games, we’ll have officials, whoever is officiating the game will do the best they can and we’ll do the best we can playing it,’’ Schwartz said before the golf outing on Wednesday.

Lions president Tom Lewand said he’s not allowed to talk about it.

Quarterback Matthew Stafford said he just heard about it on Tuesday and doesn’t really know what to think.

“We’re going to play games, that’s all I know. Whoever is out there reffing is going to be out there reffing. Obviously the guys we know and have been with in the past, it would be nice to have them out there but if not we’ll have to adjust and keep moving,’’ Stafford said.

When asked if the players association will support the officials’ union he had a quizzical look on his face and said, “I have no idea.”

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