Detroit Lions say QB Matthew Stafford had false-positive COVID-19 test; returns to active roster

DETROIT – The Detroit Lions say quarterback Matthew Stafford has been removed from the COVID-IR list and back to the active roster following a false-positive test.

The Detroit Lions released this statement on Tuesday:

“As a result of a False-Positive test result, he was forced due to NFL/NFLPA protocols to sit out until he received two negative tests. His testing sequence for the Pre-Entry period was: negative, negative, False-Positive. The next three tests were all negative.

To be clear, Matthew does NOT have COVID-19 and never has had COVID-19 and the test in question was a False-Positive. Also, all of Matthew’s family have been tested and everyone is negative.”

Stafford was placed on the COVID-IR list last week. Sports Illustrated reported that he tested positive for COVID-19.

More: Kelly Stafford slams NFL after Matthew Stafford’s false-positive COVID-19