Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford is sticking to his story that his fractured right index finger wasn't the reason behind his less-than-inspiring performance against the Chicago Bears.
Just as he did after the 37-13 loss in Chicago, Stafford said Monday that the injury didn't affect how he threw the ball in the four-interception game.
"It had nothing to do with throwing interceptions," Stafford said Monday, according to the Detroit Free Press. "When I went out there and played, I didn't feel it."
Lions coach Jim Schwartz said he isn't concerned about Stafford's ability to throw with the injury -- which required a splint -- adding that the windy conditions at Soldier Field were more of a factor.
"He threw the ball very well last Thursday and Friday," Schwartz said. "... The issue in this game was the wind, and the wind affected both quarterbacks about equally. One team had to throw the ball an awful lot, and the other team didn't."
Stafford went 33-of-63 passing for 329 yards and one touchdown with the four interceptions.
Stafford plans to practice this week and will wear the gloves, according to the Free Press, saying he can't grip the ball otherwise as a result of the tape on his fingers.
"It's not really strong enough or healthy enough to grip without them," Stafford said.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
