Matthew Stafford returns to game despite hitting head hard on turf
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford on Sunday proved just how tough he was while facing off against the Detroit Lions during Wild Card Weekend.
The Rams trailed 24-20 late in the third quarter at Ford Field in Detroit, Mich. Stafford was thinking touchdown as his team faced 3rd-and-12 at the Lions’ 13. The Rams QB was able to complete a pass to Cooper Kupp that was short of a first down.
Stafford released the ball just before taking a vicious hit from Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson, and the quarterback fell hard on the grass.
Matthew Stafford is one of the toughest quarterbacks in NFL history, but he took a hell of a shot here.
Hope he is okay. 🙏
— Dylan (@PowellAnalytics) January 15, 2024
Stafford took double damage from both Hutchinson and Lions D-lineman Alim McNeill. Hutchinson even stepped on Stafford’s throwing shoulder.
The 35-year-old QB ended up in the medical tent following the drive, which resulted in a field goal. But he somehow returned to the game shortly after.
Several fans watching from home were convinced that Stafford had suffered a concussion or potentially a rib injury after the play. But the Rams star was cleared after entering the medical tent and stayed in with his team’s season on the line.
Matt Stafford cleared to play after this. Don’t tell me the NFL takes concussions seriously. pic.twitter.com/ZqaFSMfFyZ
— Weston Kieschnick (@Wes_Kieschnick) January 15, 2024
not to be a conspiracy theorist, but
Matt Stafford definitely looked like
he suffered a concussion pic.twitter.com/NEGj5lYCwi— ian ۵ (@NumeroUnoPapi) January 15, 2024
Stafford has a hole in his hand, a concussion, a shoulder injury and all his ribs are dust but every pass he throws is a dime
— Greg Ehrenberg (@gehrenbergdfs) January 15, 2024
Stafford, who was heavily booed by his former fans, threw for 367 yards with 2 touchdowns and 0 interceptions in his return to Ford Field.
Despite Stafford’s heroics, the Rams were unable to pull off a comeback in the fourth quarter. The Lions ended up winning 24-23 — their first playoff win in over three decades.
