Matthew Stafford could be shut down for season due to back injury

Matthew Stafford has been battling a back injury since last season that has forced him to sit out the Detroit Lions’ past two games, and the team is considering holding the quarterback out for the remainder of the season.

The Lions have discussed the possibility of shutting Stafford down for the year, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports. However, Stafford is determined to get back onto the field before the end of the season, and one source told Schefter the 31-year-old quarterback has been “maniacal” about wanting to return.

Stafford is dealing with fractures in his back, and doctors recently told him he should not be playing with the injury. The Lions are 3-6-1 and quickly fading from playoff contention, though they are facing a weak opponent on Sunday in the Washington Redskins.

Stafford’s injury is considered a chronic issue that will not require surgery, and he has reportedly accepted the fact that it is something he could have to play through and manage for years. He was initially told the injury will take six weeks to heal to a level where he will be comfortable with it, which means he could have to sit out at least a few more games.

There’s no question Stafford has established himself as one of the tougher players in the NFL, as he was having one of his best seasons as a pro this year despite playing through significant pain. Stafford has 2,499 yards, 19 touchdowns and just five interceptions in eight games.