Did Matthew Stafford Suffer a Concussion During Wild Card Game vs. Lions?

Despite appearing to display posturing, typically a concussion symptom, Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford was cleared to return to the Wild Card game against the Lions.

By video, Stafford's left hand appeared stiff and his eyes were pointed upwards after his head bounced hard off the turf on a completion late in the third quarter. 

After releasing a pass that was completed to wide receiver Cooper Kupp, Stafford took a hit to the ribs from Aidan Hutchinson, then was bumped to the ground by defensive tackle Alim McNeill.

As Dr. David Chao pointed out on Twitter, the team doctors and the independent local neurologist – who is based in Detroit – both have access to any replays related to the hit that caused the examination.

Given that info, it is surprising Stafford was cleared to return to the game. He must have passed the initial examination without displaying concussion symptoms, but that does not mean he is out of the woods.

Often with concussions, symptoms do not display fully immediately after the hit.

While it is impossible to diagnose concussions by video, the posturing symptoms are cause for concern and likely should have triggered a more thorough examination from the independent neurologist.

After the hit, Stafford was 7 for 11 for 111 yards. Prior to the hit, he was 18 for 25 for 256 yards and 2 touchdowns.