Aaron Rodgers is unvaccinated, which automatically sidelines him for 10 days, ruling him out of Sunday's game against the Kansas City Chiefs; Jordan Love, a first-round draft pick in 2020, will make his first career NFL start for the Green Bay Packers
Wednesday 3 November 2021 19:49, UK
Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has tested positive for Covid-19 and will not play in Sunday's game against the Kansas City Chiefs, NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported on Wednesday.
Despite telling reporters in August he'd "been immunized," Rodgers is unvaccinated, which automatically sidelines him for 10 days, ruling him out of the Week Nine matchup. Vaccinated players can potentially return to action quicker after testing positive, provided they return two negative PCR tests 24 hours apart.
When Packers head coach Matt LaFleur was asked Wednesday by reporters on Rodgers electing not to get the vaccine, he replied: "I think everybody has to make their own personal decision, and that's just is what it is."
Jordan Love, Green Bay's first-round draft pick in 2020, will make his first career NFL start in place of three-time league MVP Rodgers on Sunday.
"It's a great challenge. Nobody is going to feel sorry for us,'" LaFleur added, speaking of the message he gave to his team. "I think our guys will rally around Jordan. What a great opportunity for him."
With practice squad quarterback Kurt Benkert also on the reserve/COVID-19 list, the Packers are set to sign veteran Blake Bortles to their practice squad with a view to elevating him to the active roster ahead of Sunday, according to ESPN's NFL insider Adam Schefter.
Rodgers joins Packers star receiver Davante Adams on the reserve/COVID-19 list. Adams, who is vaccinated, was added to the list prior to the team's Thursday night win over the previously unbeaten Arizona Cardinals last week. He has yet to be cleared to return to action.
The Packers (7-1) have won seven in a row since a season-opening 38-3 defeat to the New Orleans Saints. The 37-year-old Rodgers has 1,894 yards this season, with 17 touchdowns and just three interceptions.
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