TAMPA BAY – As expected, quarterback Matthew Stafford is active against the Buccaneers.
Stafford injured his throwing hand in the fourth quarter of last week's loss in Baltimore when it was inadvertently stepped on by Ravens linebacker Terrell Suggs. Stafford was limited this week in practice, but he looked very good throwing the ball in the open portion of practice Friday.
Stafford has thrown for 3,302 yards with 22 touchdowns and seven interceptions on the year. He is aiming for a fourth game in row on road with a 100-plus passer rating.
Stafford won't have his leading rusher to hand the ball off too, however. Ameer Abdullah (neck) will miss his second consecutive game after being limited in practice this week and listed as questionable coming in. Abdullah leads the Lions in carries (150), yards (505) and touchdowns (3).
Theo Riddick could start at running back, but rookie Tion Green could also see his workload increase after averaging 4.6 yards per carry against Baltimore last week and scoring his first career touchdown.
The Lions listed a season-high 10 players as questionable to play today on Friday's injury report. Among those not playing today are Abdullah, Jamal Agnew and Emmett Cleary
Agnew, who leads the NFL in punt return average (16.8) and touchdowns (2), will miss his third straight contest with a knee injury.
Guard T.J. Lang (foot) and defensive end Ziggy Ansah (ankle) sat out practice Wednesday and Thursday, but returned in limited fashion Friday. Both are active.
The Lions already knew they'd be without starting right tackle Rick Wagner. He injured an ankle last week and the team ruled him out on Friday. Corey Robinson or Brian Mihalik could replace him in the starting lineup.
Joining Abdullah, Wagner, Agnew and Cleary on Detroit's inactive list today are: Running back Dwayne Washington, receiver Bradley Marquez and linebacker Nick Bellore.
