Matthew Stafford Will Likely Not Play vs. the Chicago Bears

If ever the Chicago Bears were looking for a stroke of good fortune that might just save their 2019 season, they were just handed it. Word came out on Saturday that Detroit Lions star quarterback Matthew Stafford was dealing with significant back and hip injuries. According to Ian Rapoport, there was suddenly a legitimate concern that he might not be able to play at Soldier Field. Word persisted that he wanted to at least test things out.

However, it would seem that doctors have intervened. Stafford apparently has fractures in his back that are significant enough to where the Lions have decided to not even give him a choice in the matter. Probably a wise decision. One bad hit could aggravate the injury and everybody knows how dangerous back problems can be. For the Bears, it's a massive break because Stafford has easily been one of the hottest quarterbacks through the first half of 2019. Now they'll be focused on backup Jeff Driskell.

Matthew Stafford was keeping the Lions afloat

One thing is for sure. It will take an incredible effort from the Lions to pull out a win. Not just because they're now playing with their backup quarterback, but because the rest of the team hasn't been very good this year. Their running game is a shambles due to injury problems and their defense has remained leaky all year, especially against the pass where they rank 31st in the league. This was a team that relied on their quarterback to keep the season alive and Stafford was doing everything he can and more.

He had 10 touchdown passes over the previous three games. Many believe he'd be in MVP conversations if the Lions had won more games. Sadly his efforts have been wasted yet again. The Bears still need to take advantage, something that has proven difficult for them. They certainly aren't strangers to underperforming against backups. It will come down to whether the offense can actually score.