Lions star quarterback Matthew Stafford is dealing with a back injury despite practicing in a limited fashion last week, he missed Sunday’s game against the Bears.
With Stafford unable to go, Jeff Driskel replaced him under center, making his first start with the Lions but they lost 20-13 against the Bears in Chicago. The outcome of the game might have been very different with Stafford at quarterback and his impressive consecutive starts streak finally ended.
Stafford made 136 consecutive starts for the Lions, second among active quarterbacks behind Philip Rivers of the Chargers, who has started in 216 straight games and counting.
Matthew Stafford talked to the media after Sunday’s game and explained that the worst part for him was not being able to help his teammates win.
“Obviously I want to be out there with the guys. It was the right decision, a collective decision,” Stafford told reporters. “It’s tough. I love playing this game. Worked really hard to be out there for my teammates and wasn’t able to do it. So tough pill to swallow. I thought Jeff (Driskel) did a great job, played great and I think the guys rallied around him which was good.”
Stafford thought the Lions played well and he was proud of his team’s effort.
“Obviously we’d love to come away with the win there, but I was proud of the way the guys fought.”
Stafford was having one ofthe best seasons of his career before the injury, completing 187 of 291 passes for 2,499 yards and 19 touchdowns with five interceptions in eight games.
He could return this season but with the Lions are practically eliminated from playoff contention, they might decide to tank in order to have a better draft selection. Stafford doesn’t believe in tanking, he wants to come back.
“That’s not my thinking at the moment. My thinking is to try and be out there as soon as I possibly can to help us win,” he said.
Odds to Win the NFC North
Green Bay Packers -210
Minnesota Vikings +175
Chicago Bears +4000
Detroit Lions +5000
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