Mina Kimes, Dan Orlovsky and Dan Orlovsky react when the Packers place Davante Adams on their reserve/covid-19 lists. (0:49).
If Davante Adams is not available, can the Packers beat the Cardinals? (0:49).
GREEN BAY (Wis.) -- Aaron Rodgers' most valuable target could be missing from the Green Bay Packers' biggest game Thursday at Arizona. Davante Adams, the receiver, was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 Monday.
A source said that Adams was positive for COVID-19. Adams is not required to follow unvaccinated player protocols, which indicates that he has been vaccinated.
Adams would require two negative PCR tests within 24 hours if he is not vaccinated or is symptomatic. He could play against the Cardinals on Thursday. Arizona activated Chandler Jones, a pass-rusher second on the team, and Zach Allen, a defensive lineman, from the reserve/COVID-19 roster Monday.
This information on Adams was announced shortly after Matt LaFleur, Packers coach, stated that the team would be without Joe Barry, defensive coordinator for Thursday's Arizona game due to COVID-19 rules.
LaFleur stated that the team has entered enhanced mitigation protocol, which requires daily testing of all staff members and the wearing of masks at the facility. All meetings were held by the Packers almost immediately after their 24-10 victory over the Washington Football Team. LaFleur stated that there may be "potentially other issues with [coaching staff]".
He stated that there wasn't a concern about the impact on players. Adams was added to the list less than two hours later.
LaFleur stated, "Anytime you have any cases you're always a bit concerned about that." "But most of our guys have been vaccinated so it's not a different protocol. While I do not think it's necessary to be in close contact with any of the players, that isn't a concern for us right now. We are still waiting for clearance from the league.
Adams is the Packers' leader in receiving yards (744) and catches (52). Adams is tied for second place in the NFL in catches, and he is also third in yards of all receivers.
At Caesars Sportsbook with Adams news, the Cardinals are now a 4.5-point favorite against the Packers.
The Packers hope that Marquez ValdesScantling, the Packers' receiver, will be able to return from his hamstring injury that kept him out for four weeks.
LaFleur stated that defensive playcalling is a collective effort, with everyone involved and having an input. If Jerry Gray is not available, the defensive backs coach will likely take over. Before Barry hired Barry, he was a defensive coordinator for the Buffalo Bills (2001-05) as well as the Tennessee Titans (2011).
All NFL coaches must have their vaccines. Barry will need to take two negative tests within 24 hours of Adams' return. The Packers will depart for Phoenix on Wednesday.
The Cardinals (7-0), and their dynamic quarterback Kyler Murray (6-1) will be the toughest challenge for the Packers (6-1). Green Bay is ranked seventh in total defense after its victory over Washington and the lowest allowed points.
Barry's defense also fixed some red zone problems on Sunday. In the opening six games of the season, the Packers allowed touchdowns on 15 consecutive red zone drives. This was the first time in more than 40 years that a team has not had a single red line stop. However, the Packers were able to score four straight red zones 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.
