The Detroit Lions' playoffs chance took a hit this past Sunday in their disappointing 44-20 loss to the Baltimore Ravens.

Things were potentially made worse with Pro Bowl quarterback Matthew Stafford suffering a badly bruised right hand that forced him out of action. Head coach Jim Caldwell stated on Wednesday morning that Stafford's status against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is still up in the air, according to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press.

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Despite that being the case, Stafford has shown the ability to play through injuries as he's started every game since the start of the 2011 season. This notion alone should be a clear indication that he will do whatever it takes to get on the field against the Buccaneers, especially with the Lions in the thick of the playoff picture.

Stafford is putting together yet another highly productive season currently second in the league with 3,302 passing yards with 22 touchdowns with seven interceptions while holding a 98.2 passer rating. He is on pace to finish with his seventh straight season with more than 4,000 passing yards.

If he's unable to suit up, Jake Rudock will make his first start of his NFL career. Rudock completed three of five passes for 24 yards and an interception against the Ravens and has appeared in three games this season.