Packers’ Aaron Rodgers tests positive for COVID, won’t play vs. Chiefs

The Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur talks about how his team is dealing with the absence of quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who won't play in Week 9 after testing positive for COVID-19. Courtesy: Packers

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has tested positive for COVID-19 and won’t play Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.

As NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo reported Rodgers is unvaccinated against COVID-19 which means he is out a minimum 10 days. The reigning NFL MVP reportedly informed his teammates this morning and rookie Jordan Love will be making his first career start.

As ESPN’s Rob Demovsky reports, the 37-year-old petitioned the NFL to have an alternate treatment that he underwent that would allow him to be considered the same as someone who received one of the approved vaccinations. After a lengthy debate, the league ruled that Rodgers would not get the same consideration and would be considered unvaccinated.

Pelissero adds that practice squad quarterback Kurt Benkert tested positive for COVID earlier this week leaving Love as the only healthy quarterback on the roster.

Rogers has led the Packers to one of the best records in the NFC at 7-1 throwing for 1,894 yards and 17 touchdowns in 2021. Love was selected 26th overall by the Packers in the 2020 NFL Draft.

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