Report: Matthew Stafford's X-Rays Negative on Thumb Injury After Lions' Win

Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford told reporters he would undergo X-rays on his thumb after injuring it during Sunday's victory over the Washington Football Team.  

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported on Monday morning that "Stafford had tests on his thumb after the game, but source said there was not much concern going forward. X-Rays negative. Though he may be limited some this week, the initial belief is he won’t miss game time."

Rapoport added that "Stafford will have some more tests today to make sure there is no structural damage. But the early vibe is optimistic."

According to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press, Stafford had his thumb taped early in the game, but it did not appear to hinder his performance. Against Washington, he completed 24 of 33 passes for 276 yards and three touchdowns without an interception. 

The 32-year-old has started all nine games for the 4-5 Lions this season—as many as he lasted through the entirety of the 2019 campaign before he was moved to injured reserve in December after he suffered non-displaced fractures in his spine.

In 2020, Stafford has thrown for 2,403 yards and 17 touchdowns while being intercepted seven times and sacked 22 times. 

The Georgia product had a close call in Week 9, when he cleared concussion protocol following the team's loss to the Minnesota Vikings. He nearly missed that game after being moved to the league's reserve/COVID-19 list due to close contact with someone who tested positive. Stafford was activated on the morning of the game and went on to throw for 211 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions on 23-of-32 passing before Chase Daniel stepped in for his first appearance of the season. 

If Stafford has a setback and is sidelined with an injury, it's likely Daniel will take over for the Lions under center. Against the Vikings, Daniel was 8-of-13 passing for 94 yards and a touchdown along with an interception.