Former Georgia Bulldog quarterback Matthew Stafford has been placed on the Reserve/COVID-19 list by the Detroit Lions. Stafford came into close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19 or he tested positve for the virus.
The Lions released a Tweet announcing the news. Matthew Stafford was absent from Wednesday’s practice with the team.
The #Lions have placed QB Matthew Stafford on the Reserve/COVID-19 list pic.twitter.com/rUQS6DDRSB
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) November 4, 2020
The Detroit Lions play the Minnesota Vikings this Sunday (Nov. 8). Detroit will miss Stafford, who has helped lead the Lions to a 3-4 record.
In Stafford’s place, Chase Daniel is projected to be the started should he miss Sunday’s game. Daniel would likely be backed up by quarterback David Blough.
The Lions will need a good effort form the quarterback position regardless of who starts. Detroit has give up over twenty points in all but one game this season.
NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero emphasized that there’s still a chance of Stafford playing against the Vikings depending on when he had close contact.
As of now, my understanding is it’s uncertain whether #Lions QB Matthew Stafford will be able to play Sunday against the #Vikings. If he landed on the list because of high-risk close contact, it’d depend when the contact occurred, since there’s a mandatory five-day isolation.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) November 4, 2020
Update: ESPN’s Adam Schefter confirmed Stafford’s close contact (high-risk) came on Monday, so he may be able to play against Minnesota, assuming he tests negative for the virus.
Lions' QB Matthew Stafford is considered a "high-risk, close contact" from a non team member, per source. His last contact was Monday, which means he would be eligible to come off the Resvere/COVID list Sunday and play vs. the Vikings, pending negative tests for him, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 4, 2020
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