ALLEN PARK -- Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford underwent shoulder surgery Friday, a procedure that noted surgeon Dr. James Andrews termed successful.

Stafford injured his right shoulder twice last season and played in just three games. Stafford is expected to be back in time for the team's minicamp in May. The procedure included an AC joint repair and a shaving of the clavicle.

"Matthew's procedure (AC joint repair) today was very successful. It went very well," Dr. Andrews said in a statement released by the team. "We now have plenty of time for a full recovery in order for him to get ready for next season. The procedure is the same one that we have successfully performed on a number of NFL quarterbacks. Matthew has one of the strongest arms in the league, and I am confident that he will be as strong as ever."

Stafford suffered the first injury in the opener against the Chicago Bears and left just before halftime. He returned against the Washington Redskins and helped win that game, but was hurt in his next start against the New York Jets. In his three games, Detroit either won the game or had the lead when Stafford left the field.

Stafford did not play after the Jets game but was not immediately placed on the injured reserve list because the team was hopeful that Stafford might return to play the final game or two. Stafford ultimately was placed on IR on Christmas Eve.

"After Matt hurt his shoulder in the Jets game, he was examined by both our medical staff and Dr. Andrews. There was a consensus at the time to proceed with a rehabilitation program and not to have surgery," Lions coach Jim Schwartz said in the team's press release.

"Subsequent evaluations toward the end of the season by our staff and Dr. Andrews also confirmed that Matt had been making good progress with his rehab. But after Matt's most recent visit to Dr. Andrews, it was determined by Dr. Andrews that Matt's healing process could be enhanced by undergoing surgery at this time," Schwartz said.

"While continuing the rehab program (without surgery) was still a viable option, Matt decided to have the surgery now in order to ensure that he will have plenty of time to recover and rehab prior to the 2011 season. We have full confidence that Matt will be one-hundred percent before the start of training camp."

Stafford will not be available for the bulk of the team's offseason workouts, which begin in March. However, with the strong possibility of a lockout looming, there might not be any offseason workouts, anyway.