I'm probably reading into this way too much, but Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford hasn't been officially ruled out for Sunday's game against the New York Giants. Stafford, who has been on the mend since suffering a shoulder injury in week one, returned to the practice field Friday. According to beat writer Dave Birkett of The Detroit Free Press, Stafford attempted "a few light passes to his WRs." After practice, head coach Jim Schwartz stopped short of naming Shaun Hill as his starting QB. When asked about Stafford, Schwartz said: "He hasn't been declared out." In related Lions matters, wide receiver Calvin Johnson reportedly went through his best practice Friday, catching passes with both arms for the first time this week. Schwartz said Thursday that Johnson, who has been limited by a shoulder injury, will most likely be a game-time decision.

Fantasy Analysis:

Stafford is an extreme long shot to play, but it sounds like he has a good chance of returning to the lineup after the Lions' bye in week seven. Hill has put up some nice fantasy numbers through the past few weeks, but he should be avoided in New York. Statistically, the Giants have the second-best pass defense in the league and the guys up front can put plenty of pressure on Hill. Even so, I have a hard time benching Calvin if he plays, which I think he will. At the worst, he's a top-25 WR this week. If you start three receivers, he should be in your lineup.