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Newly acquired DE Griffen can’t join Lions until next week

Photo gallery: Detroit Lions 2017 Thanksgiving Day game
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ALLEN PARK, Mich. (AP) — Detroit Lions coach Matt Patricia says newly acquired defensive end Everson Griffen will not be available to practice or play until next week due to NFL’s COVID-19 protocols.

The Lions acquired Griffen from the Dallas Cowboys for a conditional 2021 draft pick on Tuesday night. NFL protocols require players who join a new team to begin testing for six days before they can enter the franchise’s facilities.

Detroit (3-3) will be without Griffen when it hosts the Indianapolis Colts (4-2) on Sunday.

Griffen can join the team on Monday, following a series of negative tests for the coronavirus.

The 32-year-old Griffen has 77 career sacks, including 2 1/2 this season as a reserve in seven games with the Cowboys.