Matthew Stafford suffers ankle injury in first quarter vs. Buccaneers, does not return

Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford entered Saturday fighting off injuries to his throwing hand and damage to his rib cartilage. Seeing as the team is 5-9 with no chance of making the playoffs, it was honorable for him to even try to play this game.

Unfortunately, Stafford lasted just one series before he had to be carted off. Early in the game, Stafford appeared to step on a Buccaneers defender’s foot, twisting his right ankle. He would play one more play before hobbling off and hopping into the locker room with no pressure being put on that right leg.

The Lions have officially listed him as questionable to return.

However, with the Lions already down 13-0, there doesn’t seem to be much reason to even try to get him back in the game. Stafford is a competitor, though, so you know he’s going to do everything he can to get back out on the field before Saturday is through.

UPDATE: Matthew Stafford is officially out for the rest of the game.

Editor’s note: A previous version of this story said Stafford was carted off. The Lions quarterback refused to go on the cart and hopped to the locker room under his own power.