Detroit Lions finally decide to send Matthew Stafford to IR
After missing the last six games with a back injury, the Detroit Lions have finally decided to end Matthew Stafford’s season, sending him to Injured Reserve.
It’s been another disappointing season for the Detroit Lions. And although the team had it’s struggles long before the absence of starting quarterback Matthew Stafford, the past six weeks without him under center has been disastrous.
After eight-straight seasons without missing a single game, Stafford was forced to the sidelines after Week Nine due to a fractured back. Although there was hope he might return, the fact the 3-10-1 Lions are eliminated from playoff contention made it unlikely.
After spending the last six weeks on the bench, the Lions finally decided to place Stafford on Injured Reserve on Tuesday. The move ends the 31-year old quarterback’s 11th NFL season. In only eight games, Stafford recorded 2,499 passing yards, 19 touchdowns, and five interceptions while completing 64.3 percent of his passes.
Without Stafford under center, the Lions haven’t won a single contest and are currently on a seven-game losing streak. Detroit only has two games left on their remaining schedule; an away matchup against the 5-9 Denver Broncos and a home game versus the 11-3 Green Bay Packers in a likely empty Ford Field.
Starting in place of Stafford for the past three games has been undrafted rookie quarterback David Blough. The 24-year old has completed just 57.9 percent of his throws, passing for 745 yards, three touchdowns, and five interceptions. Blough has also been sacked nine total times.
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The final two games for the Detroit Lions without Matthew Stafford under center should serve as a solid evaluation period for players on the depth chart for next season. The Lions could also elect to put in third-year quarterback, Kyle Sloter, at some point. Detroit signed Sloter off the Arizona Cardinals practice squad in late November.