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Matthew Stafford injured his ankle last week against the Carolina Panthers, but he will play through the pain against the New Orleans Saints in Week 6, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
What happened?
Stafford suffered the injury during the Lions' 27-24 loss to the Carolina Panthers in Week 5. Detroit wrapped his right ankle up in between drives in the second half.
Injuries to watch #Lions QB Matthew Stafford finished the game with a heavily taped ankle and quad. He’s tough but he was hobbled.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 9, 2017
Stafford was sacked six times against the Panthers, but he still had a solid performance — throwing for 229 to go along with two touchdowns and no interceptions.
Stafford practiced all week, but was listed as questionable on the team’s Friday injury report. Luckily for Detroit, Stafford will play with the injury and try to lead the team to its fourth win of the season.
What does this mean for Detroit?
Detroit is currently in second place in a tough NFC North. If the Lions want to keep up with the Green Bay Packers, who currently sits atop of the division at 4-1, they must win games. Stafford is the leader of this team, and Detroit has a better chance of winning this game with him under center.