Green Bay Packers place key linebacker on COVID-19 list

The Green Bay Packers have dealt with injuries and COVID issues nearly every week this season, so as each Sunday approaches, it’s toss up for Matt LaFleur and his staff to see who can take the field.

In the latest surprising blow, the Packers announced on Wednesday that linebacker Jonathan Garvin was placed on the COVID-19 list, but it’s unknown if he is vaccinated or tested positive for the virus.

On a defense decimated with injuries this year, Garvin has played in all 11 games with one start. He has 12 tackles, 1.5 sacks and five quarterback hits. The former Miami standout had played 43 percent of the defensive snaps and 27 percent of the special teams snaps for the Packers during the 2021 campaign so far.

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers on toe injury

On Tuesday, the reigning NFL MVP made his weekly appearance on Pat McAfee’s podcast, and the host asked for some clarity on the toe injury.

In response, Aaron Rodgers shut down rumors that his injury could be turf toe, while explaining his current ailment is far more painful.

“With all do respect to Tom Pelissero, I can say whatever I want,” Rodgers said jokingly. “I believe that I had mentioned that it is more painful than turf toe, and I had turf toe years ago.”

The Green Bay Packers star went on to explain in graphic detail that his injury is more of a bone issue, instead of a joint issue that comes with turf toe. Now, we know that it was indeed a bone issue.

“It’s better the fifth toe than the first toe, or the second or the third or probably the fourth toe,” he said to McAfee.

This is a significant development to follow as the Green Bay Packers continue to make a push toward the playoffs. The 8-3 Pack take on the LA Rams on Sunday before a bye week.

Despite the painful injury, Rodgers had an impressive performance in the Packers’ three-point loss to the Vikings. Rodgers ended the game with 385 yards passing and four touchdowns without an interception.

On Sunday, after completing a spot-on touchdown pass to Josiah Deguara ahead of the half, Aaron Rodgers jogged into the locker room and missed the kneel down. Many speculated whether it was his toe injury that had him in a hurry to get off the field.

The Green Bay Packers drove down the field for a nine-play, 74-yard touchdown drive, capped by Rodgers’ 25-yard pass to Deguara. It was the second-year Packers tight end’s first career touchdown.