Matthew Stafford placed on COVID reserve list: What now for Lions?
Where do the Lions go after Matthew Stafford being placed on the COVID/Reserve list?
The 2020 season has been less than kind to Matthew Stafford and the Detroit Lions, and now it has taken a turn for the worst.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Wednesday afternoon that the Lions quarterback has been placed on the COVID-19/Reserve list days before Detroit is scheduled to face the Vikings in Minnesota in Week 9.
Both the Lions and Vikings are at the bottom of the NFC North as Chicago and Green Bay continue their pursuit for the division title, yet this matchup delivers interesting stories such as Adrian Peterson once again returning to Minnesota as a division rival and Everson Griffen also making a return to the twin cities to face his former team.
At 3-4, the Lions achieving a win would move them to .500 on the season and possibly give Matt Patricia’s roster a boost of confidence. If Stafford is out, then the chances decrease significantly.
Matt Stafford could be out for a period of time, so what’s Plan B?
So far Stafford has thrown 13 touchdowns to five interceptions this season. Not spectacular, but not disappointing either. But given the backup quarterback situation, he’s still the best available.
The backup quarterback for the Lions is veteran Chase Daniel, a player who has familiarity with playing the Vikings since he was once a backup in Chicago. Knowing a team is one thing, but beating a team is a completely different ballgame. However, with Peterson in the backfield and Kenny Golladay as a key weapon in the passing game, all Daniel has to do is to get the ball in the hands of the better players and let it go from there.
Furthermore, Detroit’s defense with the addition of Griffen has a chance to make a statement. With Patricia’s future in question, a win certainly helps the chances of being retained.
dark. Next. NFL picks, score predictions for Week 9
Matthew Stafford may be out, but that doesn’t mean that his team is automatically facing a loss. Although, his being out does affect their chances of winning this game. Still, nothing is guaranteed in the NFL.