Los Angeles Rams QB Matthew Stafford David Reginek-USA TODAY Sports

Rams QB Matthew Stafford's late return from injury raises eyebrows

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports
By Renzo Pocholo Salao | Last updated 1/15/24

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford on Sunday proved just how tough he was while facing off against the Detroit Lions during Super 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 third-and-12 at the Lions’ 13. The Rams QB was able to complete a pass to Cooper Kupp that was short of the first down.

Stafford released the ball just before taking a vicious hit from Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson and falling hard on the turf.

Matthew Stafford is one of the toughest quarterbacks in NFL history, but he took a hell of a shot here.

Hope he is okay.

pic.twitter.com/LJQnb97Z1O

— Dylan Powell (@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 thereafter.

Some watching from home were convinced that Stafford had suffered a concussion or potentially a rib injury after the play. But the Rams star 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

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 two 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.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: