Packers assistant coach enters COVID-19 protocol, will miss Rams matchup

Green Bay Packers assistant offensive line coach Luke Butkus will not be at Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Rams due to COVID-19 protocols. Offensive quality control coach Tim Zetts will assume his responsibilities.

COVID-19 has been running through the Packers organization over the past couple of weeks. Linebacker Jonathan Garvin tested positive this week as well. His vaccination status is unknown, meaning he could miss an additional game due to NFL protocols.

Quarterback Aaron Rodgers was the biggest name to get put on the COVID-19 list, returning to action last week against the Minnesota Vikings. An additional toe injury means Rodgers has not been able to practice much since contracting the virus.

A lot more than a win and a loss will be up for grabs on Sunday. The Rams need a victory to stay on course in the NFC West. However, both will be trying to stay afloat for the No. 1 seed and the bye in the NFC. With the new playoff format, being on top has never been more important.

Packers injury report heading into Los Angeles

Did Not Practice — T David Bakhtiari (knee), CB Kevin King (hip/knee), QB Aaron Rodgers (toe), WR Malik Taylor (abdomen), TE Marcedes Lewis (non-injury/resting veteran)

Rodgers is dealing with a broken pinky toe, he confirmed Wednesday. He had earlier joked that he wouldn’t say how the injury happened, only saying it was during quarantine after his positive COVID-19 test. The injury is likely to continue lingering into the Green Bay bye week, as well.

Bakhtiari reportedly won’t practice this week as he recovers from arthroscopic surgery on his knee. He suffered a torn ACL in January and the most recent surgery cleaned some things up.

Limited Participants — LB Rashan Gary (elbow), RB Aaron Jones (knee), WR Allen Lazard (shoulder)

This is welcome news for the Packers, who were without Jones and Lazard last week against Minnesota. Jones suffered a sprained MCL against the Seattle Seahawks and didn’t practice or play last week as a result. Packers head coach Matt LaFluer gave an update on Jones.

“He did a nice job out at practice, and we’ll see how he progresses through the week and see where he’s at on Sunday,” LaFleur said, via Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com.

Lazard also didn’t play last week as he deals with a shoulder injury. He’s one of Aaron Rodgers’ biggest targets this year, and even though Rodgers hasn’t practiced this week, getting the Packers wide receiver active would be a big boost to the Packers’ wide receiver core.