Packers receive another significant blow ahead of Arizona Cardinals matchup

The Green Bay Packers can’t catch a break as they prepare to battle the undefeated Arizona Cardinals on Thursday night.

With both Davante Adams and Allen Lazard both officially ruled out due to COVID, Packer fans hoped to hear another one of Aaron Rodgers’ top targets would be back to help lighten the blow.

On Thursday afternoon, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that won’t be the case.

“Packers are not expected to activate Marquez Valdez-Scantling before tonight’s game vs. Arizona, giving him more time to recover from his hamstring injury, per source. So no Davante Adams, Allen Lazard nor MVS,” Schefter tweeted.

This is yet another major blow to the Green Bay Packers receiving corps.

On Wednesday, multiple reports stated that Valdes-Scantling, who remains on injured reserve, traveled with the team to Arizona, wants to play and was likely to suit up on a night where Rodgers and company needed him the most.

Valdes-Scantling went on injured reserve Oct. 2 after hurting an ankle against the 49ers.

The veteran wideout has six catches for 76 yards and a touchdown in three games this season. He has seen action on 119 offensive snaps, but his familiarity with Rodgers and the offense would have made his return a big one on Thursday night.

Packers finalize Davante Adams’ playing status

Green Bay Packers star Davante Adams (reserve/COVID-19) will not play on Thursday night against the undefeated Arizona Cardinals, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapaport. The All-Pro wide receiver entered COVID-19 safety protocol this week on the reserve/COVID-19 list, following a positive test within the organization.

Despite missing practice and failing to travel with the team, there was lingered hope, as recently as Wednesday, that Adams could clear health and safety protocols in time to join his teammates. That opportunity has not come, leaving Aaron Rodgers without his top weapon.

Davante Adams is joined by fellow wide receiver Allen Lazard, who took on an increased role last week, on the reserve/COVID-19 list. The absence of Adams and Lazard, coupled with Marquez Valdes-Scantling’s move to injury reserve, leaves the Packers with just three wide receivers on the active roster.

The remaining targets for Aaron Rodgers include Randall Cobb, Equanimeous St. Brown and Amari Rodgers. Tight ends Robert Tonyan and Mercedes Lewis could also take on an increased role.

The Packers also lost defensive coordinator Joe Barry after he tested positive with COVID-19. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that given the short week, the Green Bay Packers entered an enhanced mitigation version of COVID protocols. This called for daily testing an masks at the facility.