The NFL changed the protocols for players to return to action from the reserve/COVID-19 list on Thursday. But Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell doesn’t see the tweak helping his team in Week 15.
Detroit currently has nine players on the reserve/COVID-19 list after center Evan Brown returned to action this week. Despite the need for only one negative test to return instead of the prior two required for vaccinated and asymptomatic players, Campbell was pessimistic any of the nine will be ready for Sunday’s visit from the Arizona Cardinals.
“I think that it’s highly unlikely for us for that to happen,” Campbell told reporters on Friday when asked if anyone would be activated in time. “I know we felt like talking about it last night, but some of the things that have come into play I don’t think will help us. Now, who knows? Maybe we get lucky, but it doesn’t – I don’t think it bodes well for us right now.”
It’s a tough blow for the Lions. Two key starters, S Tracy Walker and RB Jamaal Williams, are among the nine on the list. The other seven are all defensive backs:
Bobby Price
Ifeatu Melifonwu
Mark Gilbert
Nickell Robey-Coleman
Jalen Elliott
Tavante Beckett
Corey Ballentine
Detroit claimed S Brady Breeze and CB Saivion Smith off waivers this week to help fill in for all the defensive backs not cleared to play.