Ex-Lions QB Matthew Stafford Gets Huge Injury News as Potential Final Season Nears

Former Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford is getting healthier as he nears what could be the final season of his career.

Stafford has missed all of training camp for the Los Angeles Rams while nursing a complicated back injury. The team slated the veteran quarterback as week-to-week, but Rams head coach Sean McVay gave some hope that he will be ready in time for the start of the season.

Matthew Stafford Back on the Field

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on Sunday that Stafford was able to get on the field to throw for the first time in months.

“Rams HC Sean McVay told reporters that Matthew Stafford — who hasn’t practiced this summer due to a back injury — threw 68 passes Saturday, and there were no limits to the types of throws he made,” Schefter wrote.

McVay ended with hope that Stafford would be able to practice for the first time this summer.

“Looking forward to progressing him back into practice on Monday,” McVay said.

McVay had been more vague when talking about Stafford in past weeks, saying earlier this month that the 37-year-old would be out for several weeks.

“Week-to-week,” McVay said, via Pro Football Talk. “I wish I could help you out more with that.”

When pressed on whether Stafford could play in the team’s joint practices, McVay ruled out the idea but said Stafford had gotten treatment from a back specialist.

“The Cowboys, no,” McVay said. “The Cowboys, I would say that’s less than likely. With the Chargers, and I know I’m probably irritating you guys, but it truly is a week-to-week thing and what I don’t want to do is set a timeline. I know he’s making good progress, saw Dr. Watkins again today. Everything is in good shape. But to answer your question, the Cowboys is a no and then we’ll see about the Chargers.”

There is still plenty of time for Stafford to return. The team takes on the Houston Texans in their season opener on September 7.

Matthew Stafford’s Career Diverged After Lions Trade

Stafford was shipped to Los Angeles in a 2021 blockbuster deal that brought an immediate reward for the Rams as he led a loaded team to a Super Bowl win that season. The Lions also saw a big return from the deal, with Jared Goff shaking off his past inconsistencies and growing into a Top 10 quarterback in the NFL.

Though Stafford signed a two-year contract extension this offseason, the Rams have made it clear that they will be taking it year-to-year and Stafford has left the door open for retirement.

Tyler Sullivan of CBS Sports suggested that Stafford could be approaching his final NFL season.

“So, Stafford is technically under contract through 2026, but retirement has loomed over him over the last few years as well,” Sullivan wrote. “The 2025 campaign will be his age-37 season, so him deciding to walk away after this year wouldn’t be too surprising.”

While Stafford could be nearing the end, the Lions are hoping that Goff can get them over the hump and into the Super Bowl.