Zack Follett put his standing on the Detroit Lions in jeopardy when he called Matthew Stafford a “china doll” in a radio interview, and now he’s backpedaling from the remark. As quickly as he can.

Follett, in an interview with a radio station in Fresno, Calif., referred to the oft-injured Stafford as a “china doll.” While his remarks can be defended by the fact that Stafford has struggled to stay healthy, missing 19 games in his first two seasons, they’re the kind of words that can put him in a difficult spot with the team. Stafford underwent surgery on his right shoulder last week.

“I was just, basically, referring to how he’s been injured,” Follett told Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press. “I guess I’d say it’s a wrong choice of words, obviously. I didn’t mean anything real impactful by it in saying that he can’t lead this team. In the quote, after I got done just saying that, I definitely have all the faith that he can lead us and be that quarterback that we know he can be. I know the challenge that he has, and we’re just trying to keep him healthy. So basically, if I could re-say it, I would just say he’s been injured; I wouldn’t call him a china doll.”

The problem is he can’t re-say it, and it’s too early to tell if there will be repercussions for his remark. According to the report, Follett has yet to speak with Stafford or Lions coach Jim Schwartz. Now might be a good time to leave them a message.

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Brad Biggs covers the Bears for the Chicago Tribune