Lions fined for injury report shenanigans before Bears game

Quarterback Matthew Stafford, who broke bones in his back the week beforehand, was ruled inactive 90 minutes before the Bears game.

Chicago Bears v Detroit Lions — Lions coach Matt Patricia looks on before the Bears game on Thanksgiving.

The NFL fined the Lions for failing to update quarterback Matthew Stafford’s game status before their Nov. 10 loss at Soldier Field.

Stafford, who broke bones in his back the week beforehand, was ruled inactive 90 minutes before the Bears game. National reports the night before indicated Stafford might miss the Bears game.

For not ruling him out sooner, the NFL fined the Lions $75,000 as an organization; head coach Matt Patricia $25,000 and general manager Bob Quinn $10,000.

Jeff Driskel started in Stafford’s place.

Last year, the NFL fined the Dolphins and then-head coach Adam Gase $30,000 and $15,00, respectively, for violating the injury policy by listing quarterback Ryan Tannehill as a full participant three days before their game against the Bears. He did not play.

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