Matthew Stafford placed on COVID list, could still play Sunday
Matthew Stafford lands on the Detroit Lions’ COVID-19 list Wednesday
As the 3-4 Detroit Lions strive to make themselves playoff relevant, the obstacles to doing so continue to mount. On Monday, it was revealed that defensive end Trey Flowers was being placed on Injured Reserve due to a wrist injury following Sunday’s loss to the Indianapolis Colts.
On Tuesday, the news was revealed that linebacker Jarrad Davis had to be placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list. The first player to land on that list in Detroit since the season started.
And now, there’s news that quarterback Matthew Stafford has also been placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list. According to a source via ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Stafford was in close contact with someone on Monday that has made him a high-risk.
Despite this news, the Lions’ veteran passer could still potentially play on Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings if he tests negative throughout the week and up until the game. Stafford would certainly be missed in the critical divisional matchup on the road at U.S. Bank Stadium. And the Lions are in a critical stretch of their schedule which could allow them to more easily move up the NFC North rankings.
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
If Stafford is unable to play, journeyman backup quarterback Chase Daniel would get his first start for the Motor City. Daniel was acquired this offseason to give Detroit a more experienced option on the depth chart as undrafted rookie passer David Blough was forced to start five games last year in Stafford’s absence.
Daniel was signed to a three-year, $13.05 million deal back in March. The 34-year old passer has only started a total of five games over his 11-year NFL career.
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Last season, Chase Daniel played in three games for the Chicago Bears, including a Week Four matchup against the Minnesota Vikings. In that NFC North contest, Daniel completed 22 of his 30 passes for 195 yards, one touchdown, and no interceptions in a 16-6 victory.