The Detroit Lions have placed another starter on the reserve/COVID-19 list, this time on the defensive side of the ball.
Lions cornerback Justin Coleman tested positive for the novel coronavirus on Wednesday, after initially testing negative on Tuesday.
He "feels great" and has shown no symptoms of the virus, a person close to Coleman said, but he still must sit out per NFL protocol.
The Lions also placed tight end Isaac Nauta on the COVID-19 list on Thursday. On Wednesday, they placed five players on the list, including wide receiver Kenny Golladay and tight end T.J. Hockenson.
Players on the list have either tested positive for the virus or been in close contact with someone who has.
Coleman cannot return to the team until five days after he tests negative on consecutive days.
Most Lions players are scheduled to take their third coronavirus test Friday. Players with three negative test can enter the Allen Park training facility for physicals and equipment distribution Saturday.
The Lions begin strength and conditioning workouts Monday, with practice starting in mid-August.
One of the Lions' biggest free agent acquisitions of the 2019 offseason, Coleman forced three fumbles and had one interception in 11 starts last season for the Lions. He's expected to play as the team's primary nickel cornerback this fall.
Nauta, a seventh-round pick out of Georgia last season, is expected to compete for the No. 3 tight end job this season.
The Lions are currently without nearly 9% of their roster because of COVID-19.
Along with Golladay and Hockenson, the Lions placed cornerback Amani Oruwariye and undrafted rookies Jalen Elliott and Arryn Siposs on the COVID -19 list Wednesday. Siposs tested positive Tuesday, but said he is asymptomatic.
Defensive tackle John Atkins opted out of the season on Wednesday. He was expected to compete for a roster spot at defensive tackle.
As of Thursday evening, NFL teams had placed 51 players on the COVID-19 list and another 29 players had opted out of the season.
Players who opt out because they fall into the high-risk category of medical conditions receive a $350,000 stipend for the season, while others are eligible for a $150,000 advance on their 2021 salaries.
All players who opt out have their contracts tolled.
