Lions-Buccaneers injury report: Matthew Stafford practices, but doesn’t throw

The status of Matthew Stafford appears more up in the air than ever, as the Detroit Lions quarterback technically practiced on Wednesday, but didn’t actually do much. According to several beat writers present during the open portion of practice, Stafford did not throw at all, only occasionally handing the ball off with his left, non-throwing hand.

While it’s possible that Stafford threw once the media was escorted out of practice, this isn’t an encouraging sign for his availability this week against the Buccaneers. He was officially listed as limited.

The Lions were also without starting right tackle and guard Rick Wagner and T.J. Lang, who missed time during Sunday’s game with an ankle and foot injure respectively.

On the defensive side, Ezekiel Ansah and Dwight Freeney also sat out. Ansah is now dealing with another ankle injury, while Freeney just had a veteran day off that is not injury related.

Believe it or not, there was some good news. After missing all of last week’s practice, center Travis Swanson returned on Wednesday. Though Swanson has struggled this year, with the rest of the offensive line dealing with injuries, he would certainly help out an ailing unit if he can play this week. He was a limited participant during Wednesday’s practice.

Ameer Abdullah also could be on track to play this week, as he was a limited participant after missing all but one practice last week with a neck injury.

There are also a few new names to appear on the injury report, including Corey Robinson (foot) and Sam Martin (foot). Both were limited in practice.

For the Buccaneers, the big news is that running back Doug Martin and defensive end Robert Ayers returned to practice on Wednesday after missing Week 13 with concussions. We’ll see how close they are to clearing protocol when the Buccaneers release their injury report. UPDATE: Both were full participants, but remain in concussion protocol.

Lions injury report

DE Ezekiel Ansah (ankle) - No practice
DE Dwight Freeney (not injury related) - No practice
T Rick Wagner (ankle) - No practice
G T.J. Lang (foot) - No practice
QB Matthew Stafford (hand) - Limited practice
RB Ameer Abdullah (neck) - Limited practice
CB Jamal Agnew (knee) - Limited practice
P Sam Martin (right foot) - Limited practice
T Corey Robinson (foot) - Limited practice
C Travis Swanson (knee) - Limited practice
DE Cornelius Washington (shoulder) - Limited practice

Buccaneers injury report

DT Clinton McDonald (back) - No practice
S Josh Robinson (hamstring) - No practice
DE Ryan Russell (knee) - No practice
S T.J. Ward (concussion) - No practice
CB Vernon Hargreaves (hamstring) - No practice
C Joe Hawley (illness) - No practice
DE Robert Ayers (concussion) - Full practice
RB Doug Martin (concussion) - Full practice
QB Jameis Winston (ankle) - Full practice