Lions linebacker Zack Follett referred to quarterback Matthew Stafford as a "china doll" in an interview on Tuesday. Stafford has missed 19 games in his two NFL season, more than the 13 he's played in for Detroit. Asked what he thinks of Stafford, Follett said he is "a china doll right now." "Stafford, good guy," Follett said. "He's a china doll right now. Anytime he gets hit, he goes down. But the kid is -- hopefully, it's just patiently waiting for him, because the kid is an awesome talent. He has a tremendous arm. The throws that he makes during practice when no one can touch him, he looks like an All-American quarterback, but put him in a game, and you hit his shoulder. So hopefully, say a couple prayers, keep him healthy next year, and the Lions can do some damage in the NFC." After his radio interview, Follett spoke with the Detroit Free-Press and said the term "china doll" was a poor choice of words.

Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford had surgery on his throwing shoulder Friday. Detroit expects the former No. 1 draft pick to be back in time for training camp after playing only three games last season. "After Matt hurt his shoulder in the [Nov. 7] game he was examined by both our medical staff and Dr. Andrews. There was a consensus at the time to proceed with a rehabilitation program and not to have surgery," coach Jim Schwartz said. "After Matt's most recent visit to Dr. Andrews, it was determined by Dr. Andrews that Matt's healing process could be enhanced by undergoing surgery at this time. ... We have full confidence that Matt will be 100 percent before the start of training camp."

Lions general manager Martin Mayhew has confirmed that linebacker Julian Peterson will not return to the team next season. "We had a meeting on Monday, a great meeting, and I thanked him for his two years of service," Mayhew said. "Anytime you make 31 straight starts for a team, you have given a lot of blood, sweat and tears to make that happen. I thanked him and told him we weren't going to bring him back."