According to John Niyo of the Detroit News (via Twitter), the Lions are sending Drew Stanton to consult with Dr. James Andrews, the renowned orthopedic surgeon. Meanwhile, they’ve signed former Vikings QB Brooks Bollinger.

This is terrible news for Stanton fans, as his inability to stay healthy has been made even more maddening by his improving production. Just as it looked like he had a roster spot sewn up as the Lions’ #3 QB, he may well be facing more surgery and another year on the shelf. It’s premature to say he’s destined to lose yet another season to injury -- but Dr. Andrews is sports' biggest name in orthopedic surgery; if it weren’t potentially serious, Drew wouldn’t be going to see him.

On the other hand, the Lions could easily have waived Drew, and given him an injury settlement, cab fare, and a firm handshake. For them to make this kind of continued investment speaks well of the organization’s attitude toward the former second-round pick’s progress.

Discuss it here, in The Den!