Matthew Stafford didn't give much thought to trade rumors earlier this year, saying he had always prepared as if he would still be the Detroit Lions' quarterback this season.

Stafford had conversations with Bob Quinn and Matt Patricia about the rumors, then immediately put them out of mind.

"I really don't pay too much attention to 'em," Stafford said. "I pay less attention to them than my wife does. But it's something that doesn't bother me. I'm here. I want to be here. I love being a Detroit Lion. I love leading this team.

"So all that kind of stuff is just kind of out there to be out there. It's a slow news month at that point, and I'm just happy to be where I am and ready to deal with this offseason the way it is and try to make the best of the season that I hope happens."

Michigan governor Gretchen Whitmer said Tuesday that she doesn't expect large crowds in her state this year, due to the ongoing pandemic.

"There is reason to feel some confidence here," Whitmer said. "But we also have to measure expectations and say life's going to be different. We're not going to be filling stadiums in the fall."

Whitmer wasn't asked to clarify whether she meant empty stadiums or stadiums that aren’t full to capacity.

"COVID-19 is a novel virus and that means it's like nothing we've ever seen before," she said. "We're learning a tremendous amount. Every week that goes by, we've learned so much more about this disease and what it’s going to take to keep us safe and to avoid that second wave."

The Detroit Lions, in response to Whitmer, followed the edict of the league office.

"The Detroit Lions are following the NFL's lead in preparing to play a full 2020 season in front of fans," the team said in a statement. "Given the evolving circumstances surrounding COVID-19, contingencies are needed and will be in place. We are evaluating all facets of the game day experience, and will do what is required to maintain a safe and healthy environment at Ford Field where our fans can feel comfortable."