Updates on return of Aaron Rodgers, NFL investigation on him, Packers

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has been in hot water in the NFL over the last few days. Rodgers, who is unvaccinated, tested positive for COVID-19 earlier in the week, forcing him to miss the Packers game on Sunday against the 49ers.

Rodgers said before the season that he was “immunized,” leading many to believe that he was vaccinated against COVID-19. With news coming out that Rodgers is actually unvaccinated, an investigation into him and the Packers for potential COVID-19 protocol breaches has been launched.

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport updated the Rodgers situation on Sunday morning. While he is obviously out on Sunday, Rodgers’ status for next week’s game is in question as well.

“Aaron Rodgers is out today for the Green Bay Packers because of COVID-19 protocols, he tested positive,” Rapoport said. “Jordan Love makes his first start. Rodgers is unvaccinated, which means he is out a minimum of ten days. The earliest he can clear the protocols and be eligible to play is next Saturday, the day before the Seahawks game. Which means if he clears, if he plays, he will do it without practicing at all.”

Rapoport: Rodgers, Packers could be fined for COVID-19 violations

Rapoport went on to mention the potential issues that the league could have with Rodgers and the Packers during the investigation. Rodgers has been unmasked at press conferences and recently attended a Halloween party, both not being allowed as an unvaccinated player.

“Meanwhile, the NFL is investigating the Packers and Rodgers for potential COVID-19 violations,” Rapoport added. “Two specific issues have come to the forefront. One, we have seen Rodgers numerous times without a mask at indoor press conferences. A rule that he is against and has spoken out against. He could get fined there. And Rodgers was also a participant in a Halloween party featuring several teammates. He is not allowed as an unvaccinated player to be in a group setting such as that.”

With Rodgers unavailable and practice squad quarterback Kurt Benkert also testing positive, Jordan Love was left as the only available quarterback for the Packers. Veteran Blake Bortles was signed earlier in the week. He will back up Love until Rodgers returns to the roster.