Defensive tackle John Atkins not only opted for the 2020 season due to COVID-19 concerns, but five Detroit Lions players were placed on the NFL Reserve / COVID-19 list just one day after Initial tests: wide receiver Kenny Golladay, tight end TJ Hockenson, safety Jalen Elliott, cornerback Amani Oruwariye and kicker Arryn Siposs.
Those on the reserve list have not necessarily tested positive for the virus. Players are placed on this list if they tested positive OR have been in close contact with an infected person.
At this point, it is unclear how long a player must remain on the reserve list, but obviously, the player will have to clear multiple COVID-19 tests before entering the team’s facility. As it stands, the earliest a player can enter the facility is this Saturday, after passing three rounds of testing.
Chris Burke of The Athletic has a breakdown of what follows for these five players:
Golladay and Hockenson are obviously big names the Lions can’t afford to lose earlier this season, but at the moment it’s unclear what their health is, and if the players will be ready for when training camp begins or even Week 1 of the usual. season. The start of the regular season is just over six weeks away.
Updates:
Complements to the league-wide COVID-19 reserve list:
Washington also added former Lion Logan Thomas to the list today:
Washington TE Logan Thomas was placed on the reserve / COVID-19 list today. This does not necessarily mean that you have contracted the virus.
Here is more information: https: //t.co/5nCujm2kU9
– Ethan Cadeaux (@Ethan_Cadeaux) July 29, 2020
