John Atkins of Detroit Lions chooses to skip NFL season amid pandemic

Detroit Lions defensive tackle John Atkins is opting out of the NFL season this fall amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Atkins played 12 games with six starts for the Lions last season and was scheduled to compete for a spot in training camp.

The 27-year-old is the 28th known player to retire from the season and joins a growing list of defensive linemen on the roster.

Chicago Bears defensive tackle Eddie Goldman and Minnesota defensive tackle Michael Pierce said on Tuesday they would not play this fall.

Goldman and Pierce are two of the best defensemen in the NFL, and while Atkins doesn’t get the same attention up front, his decision not to make the season leaves the Lions with no option to rotate one of theirs. weakest positions.

The Lions have signed Danny Shelton and Nick Williams to free agent contracts this offseason, and the two are expected to play key roles on the defensive line with Trey Flowers and Da’Shawn Hand.

Romeo Okwara is likely doomed for a replacement spot on the defensive end, while Atkins had to compete with rookies John Penisini and Jashon Cornell and returning veterans Kevin Strong and Frank Herron for the roster spots.

Lions general manager Bob Quinn said early Wednesday he knew of players who were planning to skip the season, but he assumed those discussions were ongoing between the players and their families.

“I don’t know where the players are on this,” Quinn said on a video conference. “I haven’t heard any questions about it for myself. I’m sure (the players and their families) are having internal conversations. I think everyone in the league is doing it, so I have nothing to report. on this aspect. “

NFL players have seven days from the time the collective agreement changes are ratified to make an irrevocable decision to opt out of the season. The seven-day deactivation window has yet to start and players may decide to opt out later due to new health issues.

Players who retire because they fall into the high-risk health condition category will receive a stipend of $ 350,000 for the season, while others are eligible for a $ 150,000 advance on their 2021 salaries.

All players who opt out have their contracts billed.

Quinn said the Lions have an information call planned with the families of the players on Wednesday night to discuss the coronavirus concerns and explain ways to prevent the spread. Additionally, he said the team made their medics available to privately answer any questions players or their families have about the virus.

Contact Dave Birkett at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @davebirkett. Learn more about the Detroit Lions and sign up for our Lions newsletter.