Report: Matthew Stafford Could Miss Six Weeks With Back Injury

Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford has fractured bones in his back, an injury that could sideline him for six weeks, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Stafford missed Detroit's loss to the Bears on Nov. 10 due to the back injury and he will not play at Dallas on Sunday. Stafford's absence last week wasn't his choice, per Schefter. The Lions' medical staff reportedly "denied" the former No. 1 pick from playing against Chicago, and Stafford was once again overruled by Detroit medical personnel this week.

The Lions are "unsure" when Stafford will return, per Schefter.

Stafford held the NFL's longest active consecutive game streak prior to Nov. 10. He started 136 straight games with Detroit since Week 1 in 2011, entering Sunday with 41,025 career passing yards and 256 touchdowns. The Lions have made the playoffs three times with Stafford.

Jeff Driskel will make his seventh career start on Sunday in place of Stafford. The Florida product threw for 269 yards and one touchdown against Chicago in Week 10.

Detroit enters Sunday's matchup with the Cowboys last in the NFC North at 3–5–1. Kickoff from AT&T Stadium in Arlington is slated for 1 p.m. ET.