When the Detroit Lions face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Saturday, there could be some unusual absences and gaps on the coaching staff. The positive test for COVID-19 that occurred on the coaching staff, which shuttered the team facilities on Tuesday, is having a major impact on the ability for the coaches to work this week or be on the sidelines for the game.
Ian Rapoport from NFL.com tweeted out the crux of the issue, one that has been echoed by several other outlets on Wednesday morning. Availablity is a real urgent problem for the Lions coaches, it seems:
Sources: The #Lions COVID-19 positives from yesterday left their coaching staff in a difficult situation. Almost all of their defensive staff members are considered close contacts, while interim coach Darrell Bevell is, too. DET is still determining who can coach this Saturday.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 23, 2020
Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press adds this note to the chaotic situation,
To add to the @RapSheet report, was told last night one of the Lions assistants did not have his contact tracing device on at all times and another had people in his office
— Dave Birkett (@davebirkett) December 23, 2020
It’s unknown which coaches specifically have been impacted or who tested positive, but the uncertainty casts a long shadow on preparation for the Buccaneers. Stay tuned for updates on the coaching availability for the unusual Saturday game.
