Coronavirus: Detroit Lions QB Matthew Stafford placed on reserve/COVID-19 list

DETROIT — The Detroit Lions placed quarterback Matthew Stafford on the reserve/COVID-19 list Saturday.

Stafford becomes the eighth player on the NFL squad to be placed on the list, ESPN reported. Players and staff members placed on the list do not necessarily have the coronavirus, but it means they either tested positive or had close contact with someone who did test positive for COVID-19, the Detroit Free Press reported.

Stafford is the biggest-name player in the NFL to be placed on the list since training camps opened five days and the first starting quarterback, the newspaper reported. Players must stay on the list until they are medically cleared to practice and play.

The Lions are scheduled to begin strength and conditioning workouts Monday, ESPN reported.

Detroit’s squad was tested three times during the past week, The Detroit News reported. Players had to test negative all three times to gain access to the practice facility and take a physical, the newspaper reported.

Other Lions on the list are Kenny Golladay, T.J. Hockenson, Justin Coleman, Isaac Nauta, Amani Oruwariye, Jalen Elliott and Arryn Siposs, WDIV reported.

If Stafford tested positive and shows symptoms, the NFL requires him to wait at least 10 days since symptoms first appeared and at least three days since his last symptom before being cleared by the team’s physician, the television station reported.

If Stafford tested positive but is asymptomatic, he would be required to wait at least 10 days since the initial positive test, WDIV reported. Or, he must wait five days after receiving two consecutive negative tests at least a day apart.

The Lions declined to comment Saturday. NFL teams are prohibited from commenting on a player’s medical status, according to policies agreed to by the NFL and the players’ union, the Free Press reported.

“Clubs are not permitted to comment on a player’s medical status other than referring to roster status,” a team spokesperson told ESPN.

A message left with Stafford’s agent seeking comment was not immediately returned.

Stafford’s wife gave birth to the couple’s fourth daughter on June 26, the Free Press reported.

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