Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford played through a painful rib injury during last weekend’s loss to the Tennessee Titans, and has no plans to shut down for the remaining two games on the schedule.
“I think it’s important to go out there and play,” he stated. “That’s my job. To go out there and play.”
During today’s Zoom media session, he provided an update on his health, stating that while there was still discomfort, he wasn’t injured any worse.
“They’re doing okay – still sore and all that, but not any worse,” he said.
Due to two recent positive COVID-19 tests within the organization, the team closed their Allen Park training facility and spent the rest of the day working remotely. Interim head coach Darrell Bevell has been self-isolating in a hotel room, and may not be able to coach Saturday against Tampa Bay.
When asked whether or not he needs a playcaller, Stafford admitted that while his team could likely get away without one for a week, it would be better for the team as a whole to have someone calling the plays.
“I mean, the way we run the offense with mixed personnel with different people in different spots for certain reasons – I think we do. If we need to go out there and throw the ball over the yard and we didn’t have anyone physically able to call plays, I’m sure we could get away with it. I think we’d be at our best calling plays in this offense.”
Stafford and the Lions will take on the ageless Tom Brady on Saturday, whom Stafford has enjoyed playing against and learning from.
“Obviously I have a ton of respect for him,” Stafford said of Brady. “Anywhere he goes he’s going to play at a high level, no question about it. I think going to a different system and learning it is a challenge…he’s an all-time great player at the position, and I’ve enjoyed competing against him in the past.”
– – Quotes via Detroit Lions Link – –