Detroit Lions: Matthew Stafford landing on the COVID-19 list is concerning

As the Coronavirus rages on with no end in sight, the Detroit Lions see their franchise quarterback placed on the COVID-19/reserve list.

It’s a worst-case scenario situation for the Detroit Lions.  The one player, the organization, could ill afford to lose is Matthew Stafford.  First off, I hope everyone on the list successfully recovers.  Seeing Stafford land on the list sends chills down my spine, especially since he and his wife Kelly have a newborn at home.  Remember, family comes first.

Along with having a newborn at home, don’t forget Kelly Stafford recently battled through brain surgery just over a year ago.  Don’t be astounded if Matthew does decide to opt-out of the season with the many unknowns about the lasting impact this terrible virus may have on the folks impacted from it.

Stafford is the eighth Detroit Lions player to land on the list, but don’t forget, being placed on the list doesn’t automatically mean a player has the virus.  It could mean a player may have been in close contact with someone who had contracted the virus in recent days.

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It’s a Lions list that continues to grow, and COVID-19 doesn’t discriminate talent.  Detroit’s list also includes the teams’ star receiver, Kenny Golladay, who led the league in receiving touchdowns a year ago.  Second-year tight end T.J. Hockenson, slot-corner specialist Justin Coleman, depth tight end Isaac Nauta, corner Amani Oruwariye, punter Arryn Siposs, and safety Jalen Elliott.

Defensive tackle John Atkins recently decided to opt-out of the 2020 season with concerns surrounding the virus.

This season is becoming more and more problematic, which further justifies commissioner Roger Goodell needs to quickly implement the bubble format that’s worked flawlessly thus far for both the NBA and NHL before it’s too late.

Stafford is just the first NFL starting quarterback to land on the list.  I can’t help but wonder how the league would react if players like Patrick Mahomes or Tom Brady contracted the virus.  We’re just at the beginning of the return to play plan, and testing, yet the Lions already find themselves with 11% of the 90-man roster placed on the COVID-19 list.

For now, the Detroit Lions will trek on without their heart and soul under center, leaving the franchise to open camp with Chase Daniel and David Blough as the only additional quarterbacks on the teams’ current roster.

Last season after just eight games, Stafford had been on pace to eclipse 5,000 yards passing and potentially total 40 passing touchdowns.  Stafford looked great in newly appointed offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell’s balanced offense that focuses on downfield passing opportunities.