One of the most impressive starting streaks in recent NFL history appears to be coming to an end today.
Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford is expected to sit out Sunday’s game against the Bears, ending his run of 136 consecutive starts.
Here is the scoop from NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport:
Our exclusive on @NFLGameDay: The #Lions are starting QB Jeff Driskel today, as QB Matthew Stafford is expected to be out vs. the #Bears. pic.twitter.com/V1FCN6hpdL
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 10, 2019
Stafford was listed as limited in practice earlier in the week because of hip/back issues. But despite his limitations, the feeling was that Stafford would gut it out and get back in the lineup (as he so often does). Rapoport reports Stafford had an MRI on Friday to determine the severity of the injuries, with the team deciding he would not be well enough to be cleared to play.
With Stafford out, Jeff Driskel gets the start under center for the Lions.
Driskel was a sixth-round draft pick of the San Francisco 49ers in 2016 after showing out with an impressive senior year at Louisiana Tech. In his final season as a collegiate ballplayer, Driskel (who started his career at Florida) threw for 4,026 yards and 27 interceptions. Driskel has nine games of NFL experience under his belt, but his teams are 1-4 in his five starts. In case something happens to Driskel, David Blough will be his backup.
Bears opponents have been ailing on the injury front in recent weeks, but Chicago hasn’t been able to take advantage of short-handed opponents during the team’s four-game losing streak. We’ll soon see if anything is different this time around.