Lions place Matthew Stafford on reserve/COVID-19 list

The Detroit Lions suffered an offseason blow

As the NFL prepares to navigate the tough waters of playing a season amid the COVID-19 pandemic, another one of its stars has been added to the reserve list which could implicate him as potentially having the virus, or in close contact with someone who does have it. Lions QB Matthew Stafford was placed on the COVID-19/reserve list on Saturday.

As previously mentioned, being placed on the list itself doesn’t necessarily mean Stafford has COVID-19. NFL teams are also not allowed to disclose whether or not the player has COVID-19, as that would essentially be giving away the diagnosis for future patients.

What does it mean to be placed on the COVID-19/injury list?

Of all the explanations offered, the Minnesota Vikings team website (ironically enough for Lions fans) actually describes the list fairly well: “A player who either tests positive for COVID-19 or who has been quarantined after having been in close contact with an infected person or persons. If a player falls into either of these categories, their club is required to immediately place the player on the reserve/COVID-19 list. Per agreed upon NFL-NFLPA policy, clubs are not permitted to comment on player’s medical status other than referring to roster status. Clubs may not disclose whether the player is in quarantine or is positive for COVID-19.”

As of yesterday, 66 players had been added to the list as a whole, which is rather intriguing storyline heading into the regular season. The only way to come off the list is to quarantine for eight days and get two negative tests, ensuring that they will not infect teammates.

With training camp right around the corner, the Lions will hope that Stafford can fulfill those requirements before late August, when he’ll be expected to reclaim his role as the leader of Detroit’s offense in a vital year for Matt Patricia and Bob Quinn.