The Detroit Lions have placed defensive end Everson Griffen on the COVID-19 list.
Per an NFL/NFLPA agreement, teams do not differentiate between if a player tested positive for COVID-19 or if he had a close contact exposure, so it’s unclear how long he will be out at this time.
If Griffen had a close contact exposure — like Matthew Stafford, Jarrad Davis and Jalen Elliott earlier this year — it’s possible he could return in Week 15, but if he contracted the virus, he would be about through at least Week 16.
What we do know is that he will be out for the Lions Week 14 game against the Green Bay Packers.
As has become standard practice, the Lions released the following statement with their confirmation, reminding everyone that being placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list does not mean a player tested positive:
This reserve list category was created for a player who either tests positive for COVID-19 or who has been quarantined after having been in close contact with an infected person or persons. If a player falls into either of these categories, their club is required to immediately place the player on the reserve/COVID-19 list. Per agreed upon NFL-NFLPA policy, clubs are not permitted t comment on a player’s medical status other than referring to roster status. Clubs may not disclose whether player is in quarantine or is positive for COVID-19.
