Rodgers out, in protocol
GREEN BAY, Wis. — Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers is in the NFL’s COVID-19 protocol, leaving the NFL’s hottest team without the reigning MVP.
Packers coach Matt LaFleur confirmed Wednesday that Rodgers was in the protocol, but wouldn’t say if Rodgers had tested positive nor if Rodgers has been vaccinated. LaFleur acknowledged that Rodgers won’t be available Sunday when the Packers (7-1) put their seven-game winning streak on the line on the road against the Chiefs (4-4).
According to multiple reports, Rodgers did test positive for the virus. And the NFL has considered Rodgers as unvaccinated since the start of the season.
Rodgers was asked at an Aug. 26 news conference whether he had been vaccinated.
“Yeah, I’ve been immunized,” Rodgers replied. “You know, there’s a lot of conversation around it, around the league, and a lot of guys who have made statements and not made statements, owners who have made statements. There’s guys on the team that haven’t been vaccinated. I think it’s a personal decision. I’m not going to judge those guys. There are guys that’ve been vaccinated that have contracted COVID. It’s an interesting issue that I think we’re going to see played out the entire season.”
LaFleur was asked whether Rodgers’ Aug. 26 comment about being “immunized” might be seen as misleading to fans if the quarterback was indeed unvaccinated.
“That’s a great question for Aaron,” LaFleur said. “I’m not going to comment on it.”
NFL officials are planning to review how the Packers have handled COVID-19 related protocols.
LaFleur didn’t speculate on how long Rodgers might be out.
Rodgers isn’t the only Packers player to deal with the coronavirus recently. Wide receivers Davante Adams, a 2020 All-Pro, and Allen Lazard missed last week’s victory against the previously-unbeaten Cardinals because of COVID-19 protocols.
The Packers placed both Rodgers and cornerback Isaac Yiadom on the reserve/COVID-19 list Wednesday.
The Packers’ backup quarterback is 2020 firstround draft pick Jordan Love, who has thrown seven passes in his short career. The third-stringer, Kurt Benkert, is on the practice squad but was placed on the COVID-19 reserve list on Tuesday. That leaves Love as the lone available quarterback on the Packers roster, at least for now.
ESPN reported Wednesday that veteran Blake Bortles, who was on the Packers’ practice squad during the summer, will sign with the team.
Defensive coordinator Joe Barry tested positive last week and also missed the Cardinals game. LaFleur said he’s hopeful that Barry and Adams will both be back at practice Thursday.
The Packers (7-1) have won seven straight games and own a 3 ½-game lead over the Vikings (3-4) in the NFC Central, giving the Packers a nice cushion