Coach Matt Patricia confirmed Stafford (back) won't be ready to play Sunday against the Cowboys, Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reports. "Not this Sunday, no," Patricia said, when asked about the quarterback's status.
Patricia said the team has a medical plan in place for Stafford to return, with the quarterback potentially getting back on the practice field later this month. Those comments doesn't sound overly promising for Stafford making it back in Week 12, and Week 13 might also be a challenge with the Lions working on a short schedule for Thanksgiving Day. That said, it's too early for any assumptions beyond the upcoming Sunday, when Jeff Driskel will get another start under center. The 26-year-old completed 27 of 46 passes for 269 yards, one touchdown and one interception in last week's 20-13 loss to the Bears, adding five carries for 37 yards.