Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford has missed the past two games while dealing with a back injury; last week’s game against the Chicago Bears was the first time since 2011 that he’d missed a start.
There is rampant speculation among fans and media that the quarterback will need to officially shut down his season in order to rehabilitate and avoid further injury. But to Stafford, that’s the furthest thing from his mind.
“Haven’t talked about [sitting out the rest of the season] at all, to be honest with you,” Stafford said. “I just know the work I put into every season and I want to get as many chances to go out there and play with these guys as I possibly can. That’s really how I think about it.”
When asked why it’s important for him to come back this year despite dealing with numerous injuries, he reiterated that it’s what he does.
“Because this is what I do,” he said. “And I understand your question. But this is what I do. I love playing football, I appreciate all the hard work the guys in this locker room and in this organization put into going out there and trying to win on Sunday, and I love being part of that.
“It’s tough for me to sit there without the pads on and not be able to impact the game on the field the way I’m used to doing. So, that’s driving me to get back out there. And whenever we all deem it’s the right time for me to be back out there, I’ll be back out there.”
Before being taken out of the lineup, Stafford had been averaging 312 passing yards per game with 19 touchdowns and five interceptions. They’ve gone 0-2 with backup quarterback Jeff Driskel in his place, and currently sit at 3-6-1, last in the NFC North.
