We still don’t know who will be under center for the Detroit Lions when the team takes the field in Week 9 in Minnesota in a key NFC North game against the Vikings. Matthew Stafford’s appearance on the Lions’ reserve/COVID-19 list complicates the entire scenario.
There is a way for Stafford to still be able to play. All indications are Stafford himself did not test positive, including an Instagram story post from Kelly Stafford. He was instead in close contact with someone who did test positive.
That contact happened on Monday. NFL protocols require five days of negative tests to clear the reserve/COVID-19 list. Stafford can hit that mark if he tests negative every day, starting with Wednesday’s test. If he has passed all tests up to Sunday, Stafford will fly on a private jet to Minnesota and get his final test there.
Stafford cannot practice with the team or sit in on meetings other than via teleconferencing while he’s on the reserve list.
If Stafford cannot get clearance to play, Chase Daniel will get the starting nod. Daniel has yet to play for the Lions after signing as a free agent this offseason. The former Bears backup has started five games in his 11-year career, including a win over the Lions in 2018 with Chicago. He led the Bears to a 16-6 victory over the Vikings in Week 4 last season after starter Mitchell Trubisky left during the opening drive after fumbling.
David Blough is the only other QB on the Lions roster. He started the final five games last season after both Stafford and Jeff Driskel were injured and placed on I.R. The Lions lost all five games Blough started.
Stylistically, Blough is more capable of running the Darrell Bevell offense that Stafford executes. He has a stronger arm and has proven more willing to try to fit the ball into tight windows. Daniel is more of a rhythm-based, cautious passer who often slides around to get better throwing angles.
Whoever is under center will not have top WR Kenny Golladay to target. Golladay is out with a hip injury.
