T.J. Hockenson, Kenny Golladay, 3 others placed on Lions’ reserve/COVID-19 list

Not only has defensive tackle John Atkins opted out for the 2020 season due to COVID-19 concerns, but five Detroit Lions players have been placed on the NFL’s Reserve/COVID-19 list just a day after initial testing: wide receiver Kenny Golladay, tight end T.J. Hockenson, safety Jalen Elliott, cornerback Amani Oruwariye, and punter Arryn Siposs.

Those placed on the reserve list have not necessarily tested positive for the virus. Players are placed on this list if they tested positive OR they have been in close contact with an infected person.

At this point, it’s unclear how long a player must remain on the reserve list, but obviously, the player will have to clear several COVID-19 tests before entering the team facility. As it stands, the earliest a player can enter the facility is this Saturday, after passing three rounds of testing.

Chris Burke of The Athletic has a breakdown of what comes next for these five players:

Obviously, Golladay and Hockenson are big names the Lions can ill afford to lose early this season, but at this point it’s unclear where their health stands, and if the players will be ready by the time training camp begins or even Week 1 of the regular season. The start of the regular season is just over six weeks away.

Updates:

Full league-wide COVID-19 reserves list additions:

Also added to the list today by Washington was former Lion Logan Thomas: