Lions enter enhanced COVID-19 protocols ahead of clash with Cardinals
Dec 15, 2021, 3:46 PM
The Detroit Lions practiced for just the second time in 12 days on Wednesday ahead of Sunday’s clash against the Arizona Cardinals.
With five players on the active roster currently on the reserve/COVID-19 list, the NFL placed the team under enhanced protocols.
Running back Jamaal Williams, safety Tracy Walker, and cornerbacks Bobby Price, Ifeatu Melifonwu and Mark Gilbert are on the reserve/COVID-19 list.
Practice squad players Nickell Robey-Coleman, Corey Ballentine and Tavante Beckett are on practice squad reserve/COVID-19 list, according to the Detroit Free Press.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Lions join the Chicago Bears, Washington Football Team, Cleveland Browns, Los Angeles Rams, Minnesota Vikings and Atlanta Falcon as teams in enhanced protocols.
Some ways Detroit has tried to minimize damage is by having split-squad walk-throughs and seven-on-seven practices. Under the NFL’s enhanced protocols, all players — both vaccinated and unvaccinated — must wear masks and follow social distancing rules.
Detroit currently has two healthy cornerbacks on the 53-man roster in Saivion Smith and Amani Oruwariye. Rookie corner A.J. Parker returned from injured reserve on Wednesday.
The NFL now has seen 96 players placed on the COVID-19 list since Monday, according to Tom Pelissero.
The Cardinals will travel to Detroit for an 11 a.m. kickoff on Sunday. Catch all the action on 98.7 FM Arizona’s Sports Station.
