Lions QB Stafford leaves opener against Chicago with shoulder injury

Stafford leaves with shoulder injury

CHICAGO — Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford’s status for the next game is uncertain after he left the season opener against Chicago with a right shoulder injury following a blindside sack by the Bears’ Julius Peppers.

Shaun Hill started the third quarter in place of Stafford, whose arm was in a sling as he stood on the sideline. The Lions would not say if he had X-rays.

Stafford said he will go through tests this week and is not sure if he’ll be ready for the Lions’ game against Philadelphia.

“I don’t know, we’ll see,” he said. “I will try, though.”

The Bears’ Matt Forte had just scored an 89-yard touchdown on a screen to pull Chicago within 14-10 when Stafford went down. He was hit in the shoulder by Peppers as he dropped back to pass and landed on it, the ball coming loose in the process.

Chicago’s Tommie Harris recovered, and the Bears took over on the 37 after a 15-yard penalty against Brian Urlacher with 15 seconds left. Robbie Gould ended the half with a 31-yard field goal, pulling Chicago within 14-13.

Lions cornerback Aaron Berry, who had an interception in the first half, left the game with a shoulder injury.

Bears linebackers Nick Roach (hamstring) and Hunter Hillenmeyer (illness) left the game.