It was two lines tucked near the bottom of the daily transaction report and it sent shutters through the NFL: Stafford, Matthew QB Georgia Reserve/COVID-19…
It was two lines tucked near the bottom of the daily transaction report and it sent shutters through the NFL:
Stafford, Matthew QB Georgia
Reserve/COVID-19
The Detroit Lions placed quarterback Matthew Stafford on the reserve/COVID-19 list Saturday, reminding everyone once again that the novel coronavirus is not to be messed with.
It’s unknown, for now, whether Stafford tested positive for the virus or simply was around someone who had. Both instances require a stay on the list.
[ COVID-19 challenging how every sports league operates. And challenging us as fans, too]
But Stafford is the highest-profile NFL player and first starting quarterback linked to COVID-19 this summer, and his benching — for however long — is a sign of just how precarious this season is.
To be clear, Stafford’s health and the health of his young family should be everyone’s foremost concern. Stafford and his wife, Kelly, have four daughters under the age of 4, including a newborn, and Kelly is 15 months removed from brain surgery.
COVID-19 has killed more than 156,000 people nationwide so far and infected 4.68 million, and while it seems to disproportionately impact the elderly, that’s not always the case.
The Boston Red Sox announced Saturday that pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez would miss the season after he developed a heart issue related to the virus.
Stafford may very well return this season, and he could be back as soon as this week.
