Yahoo Finance Matthew Stafford knew on Saturday he wouldn't start, wants to return 'as soon as I possibly can'
Matthew Stafford was a surprise late scratch on Sunday against the Chicago Bears, but told reporters on Monday that he knew on Saturday he wouldn’t start.
The Detroit Lions quarterback missed a game for the first time since 2010 with back fractures suffered on a hit during Week 9’s loss to the Oakland Raiders.
The Lions are under NFL investigation for a potential violation of how they reported the injury, with reports that the team knew he would miss the game well before they reported the news.
Stafford confirms he knew Saturday he wouldn’t start
Stafford appeared to confirm as much with reporters on Monday, telling reporters that he knew on Saturday he wouldn’t start according to ESPN, but noted that there was a possibility that he could still dress as an emergency quarterback before the decision not to was made Sunday morning.
Stafford not considering shutting down
Stafford also said that he doesn’t intend to shut down for the season and hopes to return as soon as possible.
“That's not my thinking at the moment," Stafford told reporters when asked about shutting down. “My thinking is to try and be out there as soon as I possibly can to help us win.”
Lions head coach Matt Patricia told reporters earlier Monday that Stafford is “week-to-week.” Stafford echoed that assessment.
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Stafford said he went through his normal practice routine throughout the week and was surprised by the test results that reportedly revealed the fractures on Friday.
Stafford having a career season
Stafford was in the midst of his best season as a pro, connecting on 64.9 percent of his passes for 2,499 yards, 19 touchdowns and five interceptions through eight games.
It hasn’t translated to team success as the Lions dropped to 3-5-1 with Sunday’s loss to the Bears.
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