Matthew Stafford 'preparing to play' vs. Titans

It appears Matthew Stafford will play on Sunday after all. Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

Matthew Stafford 'preparing to play' for Lions vs. Titans despite rib injury

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 12/19/20

Earlier this week, Matthew Stafford's rib injury was described as "unbelievably" painful . Apparently, it's not painful enough to keep him from playing on Sunday when the Detroit Lions take on the Tennessee Titans.

Stafford is reportedly "preparing to play" against the Titans, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

In a dramatic turn, #Lions QB Matthew Stafford (ribs) is now preparing to play tomorrow vs the #Titans, sources say. What seemed improbable early on should be reality tomorrow. It’s why no one ever wants to rule him out...
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 19, 2020

Stafford missed the team's final practice of the week, but interim head coach Darrell Bevell listed him on the injury report as questionable. Bevell also said a decision on Stafford's availability might not come until pregame workouts on Sunday.

The 32-year-old reportedly suffered a rib cartilage injury on a fourth-quarter scramble in a 31-24 loss to the Green Bay Packers last weekend. He tried to return to the game, but was shut down out of fear the injury could get worse.

As for other players, center Frank Ragnow has been ruled out with a fractured throat, while wide receiver Kenny Golladay has been ruled out with a hip injury.

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