Despite playing with a broken left forearm, Detroit Lions quarterback Shaun Hill started his third consecutive start on Thursday.

Hill claims the appendage, which is protected by a black cast, was targeted by an unidentified member of the New England Patriots during a quarterback sneak in the second quarter.

"That's why I eventually gave up the ball," Hill said of the sneak. "Somebody was down there literally trying to break my arm, which is already broken. Literally, trying. And, uh, y'know, I guess wasn't seen (by the officials)."

Hill gained one yard on the fourth down play from the Patriots' 2-yard line, coming up short of the end zone but gaining a first down. A check of the play on NFL Game Rewind appears to show Patriots rookie nose tackle Kyle Love digging for the ball at the bottom of the pile, coming up with the ball.

Lions running back Maurice Morris punched the ball into the end zone on the following play, giving the Lions a 14-3 lead midway through the second quarter.