The Detroit Lions are gearing up for a key divisional matchup against the Minnesota Vikings this Sunday, and initially, there was doubt on whether or not quarterback Matthew Stafford would be avaialable.
Stafford landed on Detroit’s Reserve/COVID-19 list, though he’s tested negative for the illness according to his wife Kelly. Thankfully for Stafford, it appears that he was only in close proximity who had recently tested positive, and didn’t contract the illness himself.
Right now, the expectation is that Stafford will be in the lineup come Sunday.
Regardless, backup quarterback Chase Daniel will be ready to go should the need arise.
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“Definitely a weird week,” Daniel said. “There is no doubt about it. But, for me, I’m relishing the role of being the starter. That’s what I’m going into this game as, and I prepared all this week. I thought we had a really good week of practice, really good communication. We love the game plan, but yeah, I would say by far in 12 years, it’s no doubt the craziest week I’ve ever been apart of.”
As the professional that he is, Daniel continues to prepare.
“I’m so used to running the scout team my entire career, except for the times that I’ve started,” Daniel said. “To get a full week of practice in this offense, which is awesome, there’s so many things to it, and it’s different watching than rather going out and running it.
“I feel really good about our week in practice,” Daniel continued. “I thought we were really sharp Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. We came out there today, and I think one ball hit the ground in red-zone work today. It was a good day for us out there. It’s been fun. I think that this will only help me down the road if I ever have to play.”
Though he’s yet to officially receive word on his game status from the coaching staff, Daniel will continue his routine should the need arise for him to step in for Stafford at any point during the year.
“It might be tomorrow, it might be before the game, I’m just going into the game like I’m starting,” Daniel said. “I’ve done my normal routine, right? Because that’s been my normal routine for 12 years. I haven’t done anything more. I haven’t done anything less. I trust the routine. I’ve perfected it over 12 years, so I feel like I’m in a really good spot right now.”
– – Quotes via Justin Rogers of The Detroit News Link – –
