Team news: Detroit Lions

The Detroit Lions have removed quarterback Matthew Stafford from the reserve/COVID-19 list.

In a statement released by the team, the Lions insisted that Stafford never had COVID-19 — disputing an earlier report from MMQB’s Albert Breer — and that his test was a false-positive result. Stafford’s next step is to report for a physical and then he can begin the team’s strength and conditioning program.

The Lions are just two years removed from selecting Kerryon Johnson in the third round of the draft and one year past making him their "running back of the future." Finishing 21st in the league in rushing yards and 29th in rushing touchdowns forces a change in philosophy, which is part of the reason why the team took D'Andre Swift in the second round this year -- he was too good to pass up at No. 35 overall.

Based on Swift's draft selection and how productive he was at Georgia, it's expected he'll take over the role as primary ball carrier at some point.

We think Swift has three-down ability and agree that Swift is likely the lead back in what will at least be a committee to start the season. We rank Swift 27th in our PPR rankings at RB.

Detroit Lions receiver Geronimo Allison has decided to opt out of the 2020 season, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter on Sunday.

The Lions signed Allison, 26, to provide depth behind outside receivers Kenny Golladay and Marvin Jones. Detroit gave him a one-year, $910,000 deal with a $137,500 signing bonus when he signed.

The Lions placed QB Matthew Stafford on the Reserve/COVID-19 list Saturday.

A reminder, this list doesn’t necessarily mean a player tested positive for the virus, he could have also just been in close contact with someone that did. Nonetheless, it’s a very noteworthy addition to the list in what has been an ever-growing list. Stafford should be good by the time the Lions put the pads on later this month but still worth monitoring the situation, especially considering how the Lions’ season tanked after Stafford went down with a back injury.

The Lions added TE T.J. Hockenson to the reserve/COVID list on Wednesday.

We will not know whether Hockenson actually tested positive for the virus unless he chooses to announce it. For now, he will work through the NFL's new testing and treatment protocol in an effort to rejoin the team. Hockenson was an intriguing pick as a late round tight end, but this news makes him a shaky option going into training camp.

The Lions added WR Kenny Golladay to the reserve/COVID list on Wednesday.

This does not necessarily mean Golladay tested positive for COVID-19, but the Lions must have reason to think he was at least exposed to the virus. It is impossible to know how long Golladay will be sidelined. The NFL implemented a testing and treatment protocol that he will have to clear before practicing. In the event Golladay ends up missing games, Marvin Jones would see a huge target share, especially with T.J. Hockenson also going on the reserve/COVID list today.

The Detroit Lions' backfield battle will be one to watch once training camp starts later this month.

Detroit drafted multifaceted Georgia product D'Andre Swift in the second round to bolster a running back crew that has lacked pizzazz when incumbent starter Kerryon Johnson has gone down with knee injuries.

Swift said in the story he's not sure what role he'll have this season with the Lions assuming Johnson is healthy and ready to go. The story added Swift brings a dual threat out of the backfield with his ability to catch passes. We have Swift 20th among our RBs with Johnson 47th, so we think Swift is the back to own now.

Lions agreed to terms with former Packers’ WR Geronimo Allison.

The former Packer should provide depth behind Kenny Golladay and Marvin Jones. Geronimo Allison is unlikely to be fantasy relevant without an injury to one of those two.

The star Lions wideout suffered a brain injury while making the play and has been ruled out of the finale against Green Bay.

He left after catching three balls for 72 yards. The third-round pick should return next year as the team's WR1 and will have a ton of fantasy potential with the likely return of Matthew Stafford at QB.