Matthew Stafford’s X-Rays come back negative

After injuring his throwing hand against the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday, Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford’s X-Rays come back negative.

Although the Detroit Lions lost to the Baltimore Ravens 44-20 in a pivotal Week 13 matchup that could ultimately cost the Motor City a chance at a third playoff berth in four years, they were in danger of losing much more.

Late in the game, quarterback Matthew Stafford was on fire. Despite a scoreless first half, Stafford rallied back in the third, scoring 14 points and making it a six-point contest heading into the final frame.

Stafford completed 20 straight passes late into the fourth quarter until everything fell apart. The 29-year old passer threw an interception into double coverage with just over six minutes left in the game. Stafford was also injured on the play, when it appeared Ravens’ linebacker Terrell Suggs stepped on his throwing hand.

Stafford left the game and went back to the locker room for X-Rays. He would not return. In his place, back-up quarterback Jake Rudock threw a pick six in garbage time that ended the critical contest on the sourest of notes.

But at that point, the game was lost the minute Stafford was intercepted and unable to lead one of his patented fourth quarter comebacks. Although the Lions’ playoff chances are slim, they are completely lost without Stafford under center.

Fortunately for Lions’ fans, it’s now being reported that Stafford’s X-Rays have come back negative. Apparently, there are no broken bones in his right hand as it’s just severely bruised. Although his status for next weekend’s contest against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is unknown, it’s hard to imagine the resilient Stafford sitting this one out if at all possible.

Next: Fire Jim Caldwell or waste Matthew Stafford?

Prior to his injury, Matthew Stafford had completed 24 of his 29 passes for 292 yards, one touchdown and one interception in the 44-20 loss to the Baltimore Ravens.