NFL
Packers backup QB Jordan Love placed on covid-19 list
The Packers will now be forced to turn to their practice squad QB as their options are running thin.
The Packers problem with covid-19 just won't seem to go away.
Packers backup QB Jordan Love is covid-19 positive
On Monday the Green Bay Packers were yet again in the spot light for a covid-19 related issue as backup quarterback Jordan Love, was placed on the reserve/covid-19 list. Love, who has in fact been the protagonist during the midweek practice sessions, was expected to cover for Aaron Rodgers who is currently recovering from a fractured pinkie toe.
Having just come back from their bye week, the players were subjected to testing upon their return to the facility, at which point Love registered a positive test. Love who stated that he is vaccinated, would have faced different protocols for testing compared to his unvaccinated teammates. Unvaccinated players who have not tested positive for covid-19 in the last 90 days would have been tested daily during the bye.
What is the Packers QB situation now?
To date, Love has taken only one game snap since November 7th when he started against the Kansas City Chiefs in the game which Aaron Rodgers missed due to covid-19. The snap, however, was a kneel-down play on November 21st when the Packers faced the Vikings. The backup quarterback found himself being put into the game following Rodgers' departure for treatment on his toe just before half time. That being said Love handled all starting quarterback duties going into the November 28th clash with the Rams. Interestingly, Love handled all the starting quarterback practice duties leading up to the Nov. 28 game against the Rams.
What about Aaron Rodgers?
Though some had hoped, Aaron Rodgers opted out of surgery on his toe during the by week. On Monday head coach Matt LaFleur was coy about whether or not Rodgers would be on the practice pitch this week as the Packers prepare to face the Chicago Bears on Sunday. "I know he was getting treatment and doing everything he can to be 100 percent," LaFleur said. "I still think it's a process like anything, and we'll see where he's at this week. Hopefully we can get him out there at practice, but if not, we've got a lot of confidence in just his ability to go out there and play at a high level."
Of concern to the Packers will be the fact that the only other quarterback they can turn to is Kurt Benkert, who is on the practice squad. Incidentally Benkert was also on the covid-19 list earlier in the season but finally returned to the team on November 15th.