Talk about a spectacular catch!
In what has been regarded as Detroit’s biggest game of the season thusfar, the annual Thanksgiving matchup wasn’t going quite as planned as the Detroit Lions trailed the Central Division-leading Minnesota Vikings entering the fourth quarter. The Lions didn’t start on time as they found themselves down 13-0 after just a couple series.
After a line drive punt, TJ Jones’ return gives the Lions the ball at the Vikings’ 39 with 14:49 left, setting the stage for some Marvin Jones/Matthew Stafford magic.
Lions wide receiver Marvin Jones caught a 43-yard pass from Matthew Stafford to cut into Minnesota’s lead and get the Lions back within striking distance.
.@MarvinJonesJr does NOT care about your double coverage.
Unbelievable grab.@Lions TOUCHDOWN! #OnePride https://t.co/XngZDwP5OD
— NFL (@NFL) November 23, 2017
STAFFORD SHAKEN UP DURING THE PLAY
But while everyone was distracted with the fabulous catch in the end zone, Stafford was left laying on the field, and it took everyone watching a few moments to realize the franchise quarterback was in some trouble.
Tom Johnson was blocked into him on the play, and his legs appeared to get rolled as he landed on the ground. Stafford arose slowly after being tended to by the athletic training team and walked off the field under his own power.
Injury update on Stafford: https://t.co/ektDt2epDx
— Dave Birkett (@davebirkett) November 23, 2017
Trainers gave Stafford a new spat job over his show on the right ankle. He's standing on the sideline talking to Marvin Jones right now, helmet in hand.
— Dave Birkett (@davebirkett) November 23, 2017
He remained on the sidelines and then re-entered the game without missing a series. He’ll certainly be re-evaluated following the game.
BONUS CONTENT
The Lions have set an attendance record at Ford Field today with an announced total of 66,613. It is the largest crowd to take in a Thanksgiving game in Detroit history, and their second highest total in any game all-time.