Subscribe
Follow Us
Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford is deemed questionable for this Sunday’s matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at home. However, that designation appears to be just a precautionary measure for the 6-6 Lions, who can ill afford to have any more slip-ups to remain in contention for a playoff spot in the NFC.
According to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press, Stafford was a limited participant in practices this week, but suggested that it’s very much likely the 29-year-old signal-caller will be under center against Tampa Bay.
Lions coach Jim Caldwell would not make any guarantees about Stafford's availability for Sunday before practice, but at this point it seems like the only thing that would keep him off the field would be some type of major setback.
Stafford landed on the questionable list after his right hand was accidentally stepped on by Terrell Suggs while the Baltimore Ravens linebacker was returning an interception. The Lions lost that game, 44-20, with Stafford passing for 292 yards on 24-of-29 completions with a touchdown.
The Lions need all hands on deck, especially right now with their playoff chances dimming. With just four games left on their schedule, it’s unlikely that the team will be able to catch up the 10-2 Minnesota Vikings atop the NFC North division.
A win this Sunday, though, would keep the Lions in the hunt for at least a wild-card ticket in the conference.
Jake Rudock will be on standby in case Stafford ultimately gets ruled out for the Bucs game. Rudock took over for Stafford under center late in the Ravens game, when the latter was pulled out from the game due to the hand injury, and proceeded to complete 3-of-5 passes for 24 yards and an interception.
