Matthew Stafford is expected to play against the Buccaneers

Matthew Stafford is expected to play against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers today, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports. The Detroit Lions quarterback bruised his hand last week and practiced in limited fashion this week, but should be healthy enough to suit up for Detroit.

But after practicing on a limited basis all week with tape on his hand, he is expected to play, and the warm weather in Tampa is expected to help with his injury.

Playing is one thing, playing well is another thing entirely. We can all remember Jameis Winston trying to play through a shoulder injury, and looking increasingly terrible doing so. A hand injury isn’t the same, but I have a hard time imagining Stafford will be able to throw the ball as well as he usually does.

So this provides opportunities for the Bucs either way: if Stafford starts, he’s likely to be imparied. If he doesn’t, the Bucs face eh...Jake Rudock. Yeah. Good luck with that guy.