Lions' Matthew Stafford poised to climb QB starts list

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Matthew Stafford wasn't talking>womens Chad Williams Jersey, and he will start for the Detroit Lions on Sunday against Baltimore., but the evidence is clear. The ankle is not a major concern

Because of course he is.

Stafford hasn't missed a snap in more than two yearswomens Takkarist McKinley Jersey, and hasn't missed a start since 2010. That's 107 regular-season games in a row, the fourth-longest active streak among quarterbacks. And on Sunday, he'll move into third place now that the Giants have curiously benched Eli Manning (210 games).

Only Philip Rivers (187 games) and Matt Ryan (126) will have longer active streaks at the position than Stafford.'womens John Brown Jersey,

"It means a lot," Stafford said. "I think just coming from my first couple of years in the league and some of the tough times that came with that, as far as injuries go and missing games and not being able to be out there with the guys. So, it's nice to be able to be out there and have a bunch of games under my belt.",Authentic Chandler Jones Jersey,

Stafford missed six games as a rookie in 2009, people grew restless. His own teammate once called him a "China doll.", then another 13 in 2010. Given the lofty expectations that came with being the No. 1 overall pickAuthentic John Brown Jersey,

But Stafford has proved those doubters wrong -- oh so very wrong -- by starting every single game since. And he's done it despite taking considerable abuse behind that suspect offensive line, ankle and ribs. And that's just what has become public. , including injuries to his fingerwomens Budda Baker Jersey,,

He suffered another ankle injury on Thanksgiving against Minnesotawomens Brandon Doughty Jersey his second of the year. He remained in the game, but moved with an obvious limp. His postgame news conference was delayed as he got X-rays, at least the third time he's done that since 2015.

But when Detroit returned to practice on Wednesday, Stafford was back out there moving unencumbered. Because of course he was. Despite all the injuries he's suffered over the years,womens Haason Reddick Jersey, he's only missed two practices since 2012: Once,womens Dorian Johnson Jersey,on the day he finalized his NFL-record contract this year. And again during the bye week, when he was dealing with an ankle injury and had no game to prepare for.

That's it.Authentic Takkarist McKinley Jersey,

"It means a lot to me,womens T. J. Logan Jersey," Stafford said. "I think not only out there on game day, but trying to be out there every practice if you possibly can be. I think it sets a tone with the team. It lets guys know just how invested you are, and I think it's important.

"Now circumstances happen sometimes where it's not the case, and I know guys in this league, all across this league, fight tooth and nail. I've just been lucky enough to be able to be out there."Authentic T. J. Logan Jersey,'

Luck has certainly had something to do with it, No. 9 will be back under center when Detroit hits the road to face a terrific Ravens defense., although his toughness is unquestioned as well. Authentic Dorian Johnson Jersey, And barring something unforeseen

"It's difficult,Authentic Brandon Doughty Jersey there's guys at every position showing up on Sunday and playing (through injury) and doing a great job that I feel like the normal human being wouldn't be out there doing that. These guys are impressive people. I'm just happy to be a part of it. ,womens Chandler Jones Jersey," Stafford said. "I think you look across this league

"I'll try to play as many games in a row as I possibly can and play at a high level.Authentic Budda Baker Jersey, I think that's the biggest thing."

and he could tie Tom Brady for eighth by season's end. But he'd have to start every game for another 12 seasons -- when he'd be 41 -- to challenge Brett Favre's all-time record of 297 straight starts.,His 107-game start streak is already 10th all timeAuthentic Haason Reddick Jersey,

"So impressive," Ravens coach John Harbaugh said. "I just think it's one of the great accomplishments>Authentic Chad Williams Jersey,'because you're the target. You're the quarterback. You're the target. This is a rough game and that guy is really a guy who runs everything, especially there (in Detroit). Matthew does just an amazing job running the offense on the field. He seems like he's a very tough guy."