Detroit Lions head coach Jim Schwartz
/ AP Photo/Tony Ding, File
ALLEN PARK, Mich. (AP) — Detroit Lions coach Jim Schwartz says he is optimistic his banged-up team will be at full strength after their bye.
Schwartz said Monday that quarterback Matthew Stafford is doing everything possible to return and the team is doing what it can to get him back on the field.
The No. 1 pick in the NFL did not play for the second straight game because of an injured right knee on Sunday when Detroit was blanked by the Green Bay Packers 26-0.
His backup, Daunte Culpepper, hurt his right hamstring early in the second half and third-string QB Drew Stanton finished the game.
Detroit might have a chance to win its second game after the bye on Nov. 1 when it hosts the St. Louis Rams, who have opened the season with six losses.
