When it comes to Matthew Stafford and injuries, it's rare to see the durable quarterback miss any game time with an ailment. That was evident again on Sunday night in the wild-card round of the NFL playoffs.
The Rams quarterback battled through multiple injuries against the Lions. Stafford hurt his hand in the first half before taking a massive hit in the third quarter, resulting in a brief exit.
The NFL scriptwriters were cooking for this matchup, as Stafford returned to Motor City to face his former club in the wild-card round. Stafford spent 12 seasons as the Lions' starting quarterback before Detroit traded him to the Rams ahead of the 2021 for Jared Goff and a plethora of draft picks.
MORE: Why did the Lions trade Matthew Stafford?
Finally starting a playoff game at Ford Field, Stafford took a pounding Sunday.
Matthew Stafford injury update
Things looked dicey for Stafford toward the end of the third quarter.
The Rams quarterback took a massive hit from Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson on third down, pinballing off another Detroit defender as Hutchinson brought him to the turf. Stafford's right shoulder — his throwing arm — was also stomped on inadvertently on the play.
It was evident right off the jump that Stafford was in pain. He immediately reached for his ribs/midsection as he gingerly worked his way off the field for the field goal unit.
Matthew Stafford is injured.
— Jeff Mueller, PT, DPT (@jmthrivept) January 15, 2024
Ribs, whole body, soul. Leaving it all out there on the field as usual. pic.twitter.com/EgEtE9ak3e
Stafford immediately spoke to the training staff on the Los Angeles sidelines and went into the medical tent briefly for further evaluation.
Rams backup Carson Wentz was seen talking to the coaching staff on the side during that time. However, before the Rams' offense needed to go back out onto the field for the next drive, Stafford emerged from the tent and was set to go for the ensuing possession.
MORE: Why Matthew Stafford had a difficult time connecting with Rams teammates ahead of 2023 season
Stafford was hurt earlier in the game. On a passing play in the first quarter, his throwing hand connected with the helmet of a Detroit defender. Despite the injury, Stafford did not miss a snap.
Rams QB depth chart
When healthy, Stafford is QB1. Even when he isn't operating at 100%, more often than not, the Super Bowl champ is going to power through the ailments.
However, if he were to be hurt enough to miss time, Carson Wentz is the next man up. The former Eagles, Commanders and Colts quarterback signed with the Rams in early November to back up Stafford.
With the Rams locked into a playoff spot, Wentz started the Rams' Week 18 game against the 49ers. In that contest, he completed 71% of his passes for 163 yards, two touchdowns and an interception.
In addition to Wentz, Stetson Bennett is in the organization, but is currently on the reserve/non-football illness list.
| Rank | QB |
| 1 | Matthew Stafford |
| 2 | Carson Wentz |
| 3 | Stetson Bennett |
