In what already has been a brutal week for the Detroit Lions, two starters are now on the Reserve/COVID-19 list.
Running back Jamaal Williams and Safety Tracy Walker both will have to sit out of this Sunday’s game versus the Denver Broncos. It is unclear at this time whether they themselves tested positive for COVID-19 or if they were just in close contact with someone who did test positive.
On top of a lengthy 23-player injury report, the Lions have already had to place two other players on the Reserve/COVID-19 list: starting center Evan Brown and reserve defensive back Bobby Price. With very little healthy depth left, this news involving Walker and Williams is even more devastating.
At running back, starter D’Andre Swift has already been ruled out. With no Williams either, the Lions will have to rely heavily on rookie Jermar Jefferson and safety-turned-tailback Godwin Igwebuike. Luckily, this duo has done a lot with the little amount of snaps they’ve received. The team also still has the option to elevate preseason star Craig Reynolds for extra depth.
At safety, Detroit’s options are much more bleak. Dean Marlowe will be the starting strong safety while Will Harris, who also plays strong safety, will be starting as a nickel cornerback.
As of now, the Lions have special teams ace C.J. Moore and the inexperienced second-year Bobby Price on the active roster. On the practice squad, they currently don’t have a safety rostered.