NFL looking into Packers handling of protocols following Aaron Rodgers positive COVID-19 test

The NFL is currently reviewing the Green Bay Packers after Aaron Rodgers tested positive for COVID. They are looking to see the organization’s level of enforcement of the league’s COVID protocols. Rodgers, along with cornerback Isaac Yiadom, has been placed on the league’s reserve slash COVID-19 list.

Under league protocol, if Rodgers test positive and is not vaccinated, he must quarantine for a minimum of 10 days and cannot return until after Nov. 13 at the earliest, if he remains asymptomatic. When addressing the issue of his quarterback’s absence, head coach Matt LaFleur refused to divulge Rogers’s vaccination status.

The NFL released this statement regarding the matter.

“The primary responsibility for enforcement of the COVID protocols within club facilities rests within each club. Failure to properly enforce the protocols has resulted in discipline being assessed against individual clubs in the past. The league is aware of the current situation in Green Bay and will be reviewing the matter with the Packers.”

The league’s interest in the matter is still unknown at this point. But one thing to consider is the request of Rodgers before the season. The Packers quarterback had an alternative treatment prior to the start of training camp, after which he petitioned the NFL for the treatment to be considered the same as someone who received one of the approved vaccinations. But his petition was denied after consultation, and he is considered to be unvaccinated. According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, the 17-year NFL vet is still unvaccinated against the coronavirus.

Rodgers and the Packers season hot start

Aaron Rodgers and the Packers picked up win No. 7 this year on Thursday night. Green Bay took down the Arizona Cardinals in a 24-21 battle. The 7-1 Packers have a steady lead in the NFC North. Behind them, the Minnesota Vikings and Chicago Bears have three wins apiece.

Rodgers is having a great season for the Packers despite off-season drama. The vet has 1,894 passing yards through eight games with 17 touchdowns and three interceptions. Rodgers’ completion percentage at 67% is one of his best yet, following his 70% year last season that earned him another MVP award.

Reporters asked Aaron Rodgers in August if he was vaccinated and he said, “Yeah, I’ve been immunized.”

“There are guys on the team who haven’t been vaccinated, it’s a personal decision, I’m not going to judge those guys,” Rodgers said. “It’s an interesting issue I think we’re going to see played out the entire season.”

Packers practice squad QB Kurt Benkert tested positive earlier this week. As a result, Green Bay is flying in veteran Blake Bortles this week in hopes of signing him to their practice squad.