Matthew Stafford Is A Man: Rookie QB Will Play Today Despite Shoulder Injury

Manhood has its price, as Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford is learning. After tossing a touchdown on the final play of the Lion's thrilling  38-37 win over the Browns despite suffering a shoulder injury the previous play, John Niyo of the Detroit News reports Matthew Stafford will miss the team's Thanksgiving game due to a sprained AC joint in his left shoulder.  If Stafford can't go, backup Daunte Culpepper will start when the team faces off with the divisional rival Packers on Thursday.

Stafford had the game of his -- albeit, young -- career last Sunday, throwing for 422 yards and five touchdowns (along with two picks), as he guided the Lions to their second win of the season in dramatic fashion. Trailing the Browns by six, the Lions appeared to lose the game when Stafford threw an interception in the end zone as time expired -- only to be given a second chance after pass interference was called on Browns defensive back Hank Poteat for tackling Lions wideout Calvin Johnson in the end zone. With the ball on the one-yard line for an untimed down, the Lions looked as if they would have to go without Stafford, as he had gotten drilled on the previous down, and appeared to be in a great deal of pain (in addition to being required by rule to sit out at least a down since play had stopped for him). But a Browns timeout allowed Stafford to get back on the field after fending off the Lions training staff, just in time to throw the game-winning touchdown to tight end Brandon Pettigrew.

Video of the final play below: