GREEN BAY (Wis.) -- Sources confirmed that Joe Barry, the Packers' defensive coordinator, was positive for COVID-19 on Thursday.
Although the Packers have yet to announce who will call the Cardinals' defensive plays, Barry is expected take part in virtual game preparations.
NFL Network reported Barry's positive test for the first time.
All NFL coaches must have their vaccines. Barry will need to take two negative tests within 24 hours of Barry's return. The Packers will depart for Phoenix on Wednesday.
Jerry Gray, who was a former defensive coordinator for the Buffalo Bills (2001-05) as well as the Tennessee Titans (2011-13), is the most likely candidate to take the call on Thursday. Gray is the Packers' defensive coordinator and was promoted to the position of defensive passing game coordinator. Before Barry was hired, Coach Matt LaFleur had also considered Gray to be the defensive coordinator.
The Cardinals (7-0), and their dynamic quarterback Kyler Murray (6-1) will be the toughest challenge for the Packers (6-1). After their 24-10 victory over the Washington Football Team, the Packers are ranked seventh in total defense and allowed points.
Barry's defense also fixed its red zone problems on Sunday. They allowed touchdowns in 15 consecutive red zone drives before Sunday. This was the first time in more than 40 years that a team has not had a red zone stop in six games. However, they managed to get four red zone stops against Washington.
Barry is the second Packers defensive coach to be positive for COVID-19. Jerry Montgomery, the defensive line coach for the Packers, was unable to play against the Detroit Lions in Week 2.
