GREEN BAY (Wis.) -- Jordan Love will at least have some help when he makes Sunday's NFL debut for the Green Bay Packers.
Davante Adams is the team's top receiver. He returned to the team on Thursday, after being absent for the past 10 days on the reserve/COVID-19 lists. He should be available for the Kansas City Chiefs game this weekend.
Joe Barry, the defensive coordinator, was also cleared by the protocols and was able to return to the team following his absence from all of the last week.
Matt LaFleur, Packers coach, said that it was great to see the guys before Thursday's practice. They were excited to be back. This is a great benefit for the team.
Adams missed Thursday's victory over Arizona Cardinals, 24-21, because he had a positive test on Oct. 25. Allen Lazard, a fellow receiver, was placed on the COVID-19 reserve list as he was not vaccinated. Lazard was back with the team Monday.
Both receivers should be available for Sunday's game. There is also a possibility that Marquez Valdescantling, a fellow receiver, could be able to return from injury reserve. A hamstring injury has kept him out of the last five games.
Adams missed Wednesday's practice as he was still not cleared. After the announcement that Aaron Rodgers had tested positive for the vaccine, Love was appointed the starter on Wednesday. He will be out for Sunday's game.
Adams leads the Packers with 52 receptions and 744 yards, with three touchdowns. Despite missing last week's match, Adams is third in the NFL for receiving yards and third in catches. He is especially strong on the road with 32 catches and 483 yards in four games. This leads the NFL in both of these categories.
Adams' relationship with Rodgers could have contributed to some of this. Adams was also one of few receivers to continue his production after Rodgers' injury in 2017. Adams was accompanied by Brett Hundley as quarterback and caught 41 passes for 489 yard and four touchdowns over seven games.
The Packers (7-1) continued their preparations without Rodgers. Now, the NFL is investigating whether the Packers adhered to all COVID-19 protocols regarding vaccinated or unvaccinated players.
LaFleur stated, pointing out the doorway leading to the media auditorium: "As far the football space is concerned,"
Rodgers and the other unvaccinated Packers players followed protocol in the locker room and meeting rooms, but he did not wear a mask to his news conferences. All of the Packers' unvaccinated players held media sessions via Zoom. Rodgers insisted on doing his thing unmasked in the auditorium
LaFleur answered a question about the media area by saying, "I said within our soccer space." "Meeting rooms and walk-through are all we do in this area. I don't pay much attention to media rules."
Rodgers may have not followed the protocols of unvaccinated players when he gathered with teammates outside the building. These players are not allowed to gather with more than three coaches or players.
