He earlier had stated that he had been ‘immunized’
On Wednesday, the Green Bay Packers announced that quarterback Aaron Rodgers has been placed on the NFL’s COVID-19 hit list and will miss Sunday’s game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
The NFL Network reported that Rodgers had not been vaccinated, which was against Rodgers initial claim to have been immunized in early August. According to league rules, players who are unvaccinated and test positive for the novel coronavirus must be quarantined for at least ten days. In a press brief, Packers head coach Matt LaFleur reported that he did not know how long Rodgers would be out, adding that backup quarterback Jordan Love is likely to start in his place.
In an interview on Wednesday, LaFleur hesitated, “This a terrific interview for Aaron,” “I’m not going to speak on it.”
In a statement, the NFL said the regulations of COVID protocols rests with each club “The NFL is aware of the current situation in Green Bay and will review the matter with the Packers,” Rodgers has previously sought and was denied an exemption from the NFL-NFLPA’s COVID-19 guidelines based on his antibody levels this summer after he received homoeopathic treatment to raise those levels.
Accordingly, Rodgers was subjected to various protocols, including daily testing, mask-wearing and high-risk close contact protocol that would force him to isolate for five days based on interaction with a positive individual, even if he tested negative.
LaFleur, in an interview, was asked if he’d consider Rodgers to be selfish for refusing not to get vaccinated–LaFleur replied: “I do not think this is a selfish decision but everyone has to make their personal decision, and that’s just is what it is.”
The Packers will look toward game Week 9 with Love as their Quarterback. In-game weeks 1 and 3 of the exhibition slate, The second-year Quarterback saw his most action during the preseason and impressed in a limited amount of snaps, teaming with Devin Funchess and Kylin Hill to move the ball effectively. Love also came in during garbage time of Green Bay’s Week 1 loss, completing 5 of 7 passes for 68 yards— which was the packers’ lone defeat of the season.
Love’s replacement for Rodgers should lower expectations for the Packers offensive production, but that might not change the minds of those anticipating Green Bay to win. Kansas City has found itself in an offensive rut for much of the season and needed a late field goal to defeat the now 2-6 Giants at Arrowhead Stadium on Monday night. Even if Rodgers isn’t involved, the chiefs will face a greater challenge against a much stronger Packers team.
Love will have the rest of the week ahead to prepare to make his first start of the season in his career in the tough confines of Arrowhead stadium. Rodgers, meanwhile, will spend the rest of the week recuperating at home.