Matthew Stafford ruled out against the Bears with back injury

Despite appearing on the injury report the past several games and still playing, the Detroit Lions’ passer Matthew Stafford has been ruled out against the Bears.

Detroit Lions starting quarterback Matthew Stafford has been no stranger to the team’s weekly injury report. In fact, the 10-year veteran has made an appearance on the report ever since Week Four. Yet, the 31-year old passer has been able to start ever single game this season.

But that will change against the Chicago Bears on Sunday. According to ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter, Stafford will not play against the Bears due to a back injury. The veteran passer reportedly has fractured bones in his back and doctors will not allow him to take the field.

Stafford’s absence in Chicago will end an amazing string of starts that reaches all the way back to 2010, 136 games straight. More importantly, it will place fourth-year backup Jeff Driskel under center to start for Detroit in a pivotal divisional matchup.

The Lions’ defense and rushing attack have underperformed this season, leading to a 3-4-1 record. Stafford and the Lions’ passing offense has really been the only thing keeping the Motor City in games. Without Stafford, Motown’s chances of winning any contest are severely diminished.

Stafford first appeared on the injury report back in Week Four with a hip issue. This past week, a back injury was also included. Stafford was limited during all three practice sessions this week and was officially listed as questionable for the NFC North matchup against the Bears.

Despite the issues, Matthew Stafford is having another MVP-worthy season. He’s thrown for 2,499 yards for 19 touchdowns and only five interceptions. Stafford has the fifth-highest passer rating in the NFL (106.0) coming into this weekend. Losing him for any significant amount of time would all but end the Detroit Lions’ season instantly.