Vikings next opponent could be without their best player
By Adam Patrick
Before their game against Minnesota Vikings, the Detroit Lions have added Matthew Stafford to their Reserve/COVID-19 list
Heading into Week 9, the Minnesota Vikings already knew they wouldn’t have to face a number of their opponent’s top players as Detroit Lions receiver Kenny Golladay and defensive end Trey Flowers have already been ruled out for the matchup.
But on Wednesday, it was revealed that another important member of the Lions roster could miss Sunday’s game against the Vikings as well.
Detroit quarterback Matthew Stafford was not present during the portion of the team’s practice that was open to the media on Wednesday according to multiple reports and no one seemed to know why. A little after the team’s practice ended though, the Lions announced why Stafford did not participate in the session.
Will Matthew Stafford suit up against the Minnesota Vikings?
Following their practice on Wednesday, Detroit announced that they had added their starting quarterback to the team’s Reserve/COVID-19 list. Unless Stafford is taken off the list before Sunday morning, the Lions will be forced to start Chase Daniel under center against Minnesota.
Daniel might have handed the Vikings a loss last season when he played for the Chicago Bears, but him starting for Detroit instead of Stafford is still a much more favorable matchup for Minnesota.
Stafford was reportedly placed on the Lions’ Reserve/COVID-19 list after coming in close contact with a non-team member who tested positive for the virus according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. So he does still have a chance to play on Sunday since he is not the one who contracted the virus.
The NFL currently requires players to isolate for at least five days if they are placed on the Reserve/COVID-19 list for being a close contact. Schefter reported that Stafford’s last contact with the infected person happened on Monday, so he could suit up against the Vikings if his upcoming tests meet the requirements to come off the list.
If he can’t play on Sunday though, Minnesota’s chances to end their five-game losing streak inside U.S. Bank Stadium certainly seem to be much higher.