Packers won’t play against Matthew Stafford in Week 17 game vs. Lions

The Green Bay Packers won’t have to face Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford when the two teams meet in Week 17.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Lions placed their former Pro Bowl quarterback on injured reserve on Tuesday, meaning his season is over.

The Packers close out the regular season with a game against the Lions at Ford Field.

While Matthew Stafford has missed the past six games with a back injury, the fact he hadn’t been placed on IR up to this point left the door open for a potential return. A game against Stafford in Detroit would’ve been a tougher challenge for the Packers.

And with Green Bay only needing to win one of its remaining two games to wrap up the NFC North title, Stafford’s absence increases the chances of doing so.

But the Lions aren’t just missing their star quarterback. Key defensive players Jarrad Davis, Da’Shawn Hand and former Packer Mike Daniels are all on injured reserve. Running back Kerryon Johnson, wide receiver Marvin Jones and rookie tight end T.J. Hockenson are also on IR. The majority of those players were active against the Packers earlier this season.

The Lions have dealt with some awful injury luck this season and it’s no surprise they are 3-10-1 as a result. They won’t have much to play for in the season finale, and instead many fans will be focused on draft position.

Despite all of that, the Packers will need to enter the game with the same approach they normally would. They can’t have one eye on the playoffs as this game will carry importance for seeding.

Even if Green Bay defeats Minnesota this week and is NFC North champs entering Week 17, winning both games will guarantee the team a first-round bye. Losing one could end those chances.

But we now know that Stafford won’t be making a return for the Lions this season.