The Detroit Lions could be without the services of their starting quarterback, Matthew Stafford, when the Pride take on the Cardinals this Sunday.
Coming off two back-to-back 9-7 seasons under former head coach Jim Caldwell, the Detroit Lions made some major changes this offseason to try and get themselves over the playoff hump. Unfortunately, the Lions season will now officially be worse as the team limps into December a disappointing 4-8 in the standings following a loss to the Los Angeles Rams last weekend.
For many fans, the blame lies with two men. Either it’s because of first-time head coach Matt Patricia or quarterback Matthew Stafford. The Lions know life without Patricia as the team posted a winning record in Detroit three out of the past four seasons, including two playoff berths.
But the Lions don’t really know life without Stafford, or at least haven’t in a very long time. The former top pick in the 2009 NFL Draft has started in 127 straight games for Detroit. But that streak is in danger of being broken this Sunday as Detroit travels south to play the Arizona Cardinals in Week 14.
Its been a difficult season for Stafford, whose current 90.0 quarterback rating is his lowest since 2014. The 10th-year passer has thrown for 3,086 yards, 18 touchdowns and 11 interceptions, completing 66.5 percent of his passes so far this year.
Stafford was limited in practice all week due to a back injury he suffered against the Rams in Week 13. He was able to finish that game despite the injury.
Along with Stafford, six other Lions have been deemed questionable for Sunday’s matchup against the Cardinals on the team’s final injury report. Those players are fullback Nick Bellore (ankle), wide receiver Bruce Ellington (back), linebacker Devon Kennard (hip), wide receiver Brandon Powell (calf), tight end Michael Roberts (shoulder) and cornerback Darius Slay (ankle).
Both running back Kerryon Johnson (knee) and linebacker Trevor Bates (ankle) have been officially ruled out for the Detroit Lions’ Week 14 contest against the Arizona Cardinals.