Lions Quarterback Matthew Stafford May Have COVID-19

Wait! What? Matthew Stafford has COVID-19? Well, not exactly, but he has been placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list. What does that mean?

WOOD-TV reports the reserve/COVID-19 list was created for players who either test positive for COVID-19 or have been in close contact with an infected person.

The Lions, citing NFL-NFLPA policy, have not been commenting on the medical status of players on that list. Stafford is entering his 12th season with Detroit after being drafted by the Lions with the No. 1 overall pick in 2009.

NFL.com says Stafford is the second NFL quarterback placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list after the Falcons' Danny Etling, Stafford is the initial starting quarterback to be placed.

Stafford had his streak of 136 consecutive starts snapped last season due to a back injury. Without him, Detroit went 0-8 to end the season.

The reserve/COVID-19 list is a temporary injured reserve due to the ongoing coronavirus.

Stafford can be activated off the list once he receives medical clearance, which entails passing NFL/NFL Players Association treatment and protocols. Unlike the standard injured reserve, there is no specified time frame for a return.

All us Lions fans, long suffering as we are, know that we need Stafford back ASAP! If there is an NFL season, Stafford could lead the way to a Super Bowl! Right? Ahh.....one can only dream!