ALLEN PARK, Mich. -- Matthew Stafford might play against Tampa Bay on Sunday. He might not. There's no question about his toughness, not after 108 straight starts and playing through myriad injuries that might have kept other players on the sidelines.

That doesn't mean, though, that Stafford has played well in games when he's been listed as hurt on the injury report. He's been on an injury report -- or known to be dealing with an injury -- 12 times since his streak started in 2011.

The Detroit Lions are 3-9 in regular-season games when Stafford has appeared on the injury report and then played during his streak. That includes a three-game losing streak last season with an injured finger, an ankle injury in Week 6 against New Orleans this season and right finger and ankle injuries in 2011.

Two of those wins came during the 2011 season.

Stafford practiced on a limited basis Wednesday and did not throw a pass -- which he normally does -- during the session open to the media. Lions coach Jim Caldwell said there is no deadline for when they need to see a healthier Stafford during the week for him to play Sunday other than to say "when he's ready."

Stafford improved in practice Thursday, throwing passes with his right ring and pinkie fingers individually taped. In the session open to the media, he threw passes to both his running backs and wide receivers.

Will he be ready is the question -- and then if he is "ready," how effective can he be?

In those 12 games, Stafford threw 21 touchdowns and 21 interceptions. Some of those injuries cause more problems throwing than others, and there's no question the right hand injury could impact what Stafford does.

Lions offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter said the Lions would have to adjust if they are going with Jake Rudock instead of Stafford -- mostly to Rudock's strengths.

Cooter said every injury affects a quarterback a little differently, though, so it's tough to gauge how the hand could hamper Stafford if he can't play. Earlier this season when Stafford was dealing with an ankle injury, the Lions ran every play out of shotgun or pistol against New Orleans.

"We'll just make sure we're doing the best thing for our team as we keep an eye on everything," Cooter said. "I'll leave all the injury specifics to coach and Matthew."

Cooter said they'll evaluate the offense as to how to proceed if Stafford ends up playing Sunday with the hand injury.