Training camp seemingly got off to a rough star for Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford after he was placed on the COVID/IR list due to a positive test result. Fortunately, it appears the manner has since been resolved.
According to Kyle Meinke of MLive, Stafford has been placed back on the active roster after it was revealed that the third test he took as a false positive result:
Matthew Stafford has been returned to the 53-man roster. His COVID test was a false positive.
The Lions also released a statement regarding Stafford's removal from the COVID/IR list:
“Today we removed Matthew Stafford from the COVID-IR list and onto the active roster. As a result of a False-Positive test result, he was forced due to the NFL/NFLPA protocols to sit out until he received two negative tests. His testing sequence for the Pre-Entry period was: negative, negative, False-Positive. The next three tests were all negative. To be clear, Matthew does NOT have COVID-19 and never has had COVID-19 and the test in question was a False-Positive. Also, all of Matthew's family have been tested and everyone is negative.”
As part of the safety protocols established by the NFL and NFLPA, a 72-hour screening process was conducted just to allow players and staff into the practice facilities. Although Stafford may have tested clean on the first two tests, it seems an error was made on the third and final one that resulted in a positive diagnosis.
The Lions can now move forward with their franchise quarterback finally back in the mix. While there had been plenty of speculation regarding Stafford's uncertain future this offseason, he is now slated to serve as a stabilizing factor for this team during such unprecedented circumstances.
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