The Detroit Lions activated quarterback Matthew Stafford from the COVID-19 reserve list and will make the start against the Vikings on Sunday afternoon pending head coach Matt Patricia’s approval.
Stafford was placed on the list earlier this week as part of a contact tracing issue. The situation was similar to what Cameron Dantzler experienced prior to the Green Bay game but was ultimately cleared after passing protocol.
While Stafford hasn’t practiced all week due to his placement on the list, Patricia stated he has participated in all meetings and walkthroughs virtually.
This is bad news for a Vikings secondary that heads into Sunday’s game banged up. With Mike Hughes already on injured reserve due to a neck injury, the Vikings will also be without Holton Hill (foot), Mark Fields (chest), and Dantzler (concussion).
If there is a silver lining, Mike Zimmer has done well against Stafford since coming to Minnesota in 2014. In 11 games against Stafford, Zimmer has a 6-5 record while holding Stafford to 201.1 yards per game and an 84.5 quarterback rating.
Stafford did play well in their last meeting, however, throwing for 364 yards and four touchdowns in the Vikings’ Week 6 victory over the Lions last season.
