NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero is reporting that while Detroit Lions Matthew Stafford has been placed on the COVID-19 reserve list, he is asymptomatic.
At this time, it’s not clear of Stafford has tested positive for the virus or if he was in proximity of someone who tested positive and that led to him being on the list, but either way, his path back to Allen Park has the potential to be quicker than if he was showing symptoms.
If Stafford had a positive test but is asymptomatic, per NFL/NFLPA report on COVID education, he can return to action by taking the following steps:
- 10 days after the initial positive test OR
- 5 days have passed since the initial positive test and two consecutive negative tests are completed separated by 24 hours within a five-day period
- Return must be approved by the team’s Head Physician
If Stafford was in contact with a person who tested positive for COVID-19, the steps to return could be even shorter:
- Second negative test within 24 hours of initial negative test
- Increased symptom monitoring
- Eight days of daily virus testing
- Regular testing schedule thereafter
Before he can return to the Lions training facility, Stafford and his family will have some difficult decisions to consider. Not only does Stafford have to be concerned for his health but his wife Kelly is just one year removed from brain surgery, and together they have four children under the age of four, including their newborn Tyler who is barely over a month old.
If Stafford elects to opt-out of the 2020 season, he will have 72 to 96 hours (Tuesday or Wednesday) to make that decision, per an updated timeline reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
On a positive note for Lions fans, the fact that the team placed him on the COVID-19 reserve list instead of the opt-out list is an early indicator that he is preparing to return — but let’s not get the cart ahead of the horse here, he has a lot on the line off the field.