DETROIT – Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford is not expected to play Sunday against the Dallas Cowboys, according to coach Matt Patricia.
Stafford missed last week’s game against the Chicago Bears after starting 136 consecutive games for the Lions, dating back to the 2011 season.
He threw for 2,499 yards, 19 touchdowns and five interceptions in the team’s first eight games and was quietly having one of the best years of his career.
Jeff Driskel started in Stafford’s place, completing 27 of 46 pass attempts for 269 yards, a touchdown and an interception. The Lions lost, 20-13 -- their fifth defeat in six weeks.
At 3-5-1, the Lions have no hopes of qualifying for the postseason in the NFC, so being cautious with their franchise quarterback makes sense. Once again, the second half of the year will be more about draft position than meaningful games in Detroit.