ATLANTA, GEORGIA – OCTOBER 25: Matthew Stafford #9 of the Detroit Lions attempts a pass against the Atlanta Falcons during the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on October 25, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Matthew Stafford has reportedly been placed on the Lions’ COVID-19 list.
The Detroit Lions have shown signs of improvements this season and are sitting with a 3-4 record. The playoffs are still a possibility and a huge reason why is the solid play of quarterback Matthew Stafford.
The veteran is on pace to throw for over 4,000 yards this season and he needs to be out there for the Lions to have a chance to win. He may now be forced to miss the team’s next game after reportedly being placed on the COVID-19 reserve list.
Stafford’s status in question
There is no news yet on whether Stafford has the virus or if contract tracing identified him as someone at risk of having it. That remains private unless the player makes some sort of announcement.
The most important thing is that Stafford and those around him are healthy and safe. That comes before anything else.
From a football standpoint, Stafford missing Sunday’s game would be a huge loss for the Lions. Veteran Chase Daniel is his backup and while he has had flashes of success in the past, he hasn’t taken a snap this season.
It is still too early to know whether Stafford will be out or not. However, it is already Wednesday and that puts him on a time crunch to return for Sunday, especially if he himself tested positive.
The Lions are hoping to improve to 4-4 this week with a win over a Minnesota Vikings team that just took down the Green Bay Packers. Doing so without Stafford would be quite the tough task.
Cam Newton was the first starting quarterback to miss a game because of COVID in 2020. Lions fans are now hoping Stafford doesn’t join that list.