By Sunday 
If you’re a Detroit Lions fan, you probably still have a soft spot for Matthew Stafford — the guy who gave over a decade of his career to a team that, let’s be honest, wasn’t exactly overflowing with Super Bowl trophies. He left, joined the Los Angeles Rams, and promptly helped them win a championship in his very first season. That one stung a little, didn’t it?
Now, as the Lions are finally carving their own path to glory, Stafford’s got his own battle to fight — and it’s not on the scoreboard.
An Injury That Won’t Quit
This offseason, Stafford has been sidelined with an aggravated disk in his back. He hasn’t taken a single snap in training camp, and Rams head coach Sean McVay’s latest update on August 14 didn’t exactly inspire confidence.
“Hopefully it responds a little bit better, and then I’ll have more information for you guys then,” McVay told reporters.
When pressed on whether the injury was more about pain or functionality, McVay admitted it was probably “a little bit of both.” Not exactly the rock-solid “he’s fine” Rams fans were hoping to hear.
Saturday Could Be a Turning Point
The Rams are hoping Stafford can get back on the practice field by Saturday, August 16. That’s the good news. The bad news? If his body reacts badly again, it could be a sign that this issue isn’t going away anytime soon.
Stafford, now 37, has been through plenty of wear and tear in his career. And with only a short two-year, $8.4 million contract — $8 million of that guaranteed — the clock is ticking for him to prove he can still lead an NFL offense.
Lions Fans Can Breathe Easy… For Now
Of course, none of this really hurts the Lions — unless they end up facing Stafford and the Rams in a meaningful game this season. For now, Detroit fans can just wish their old QB the best… and maybe enjoy watching the Rams squirm a little.