Aaron Rodgers tested positive for COVID-19 and was ruled out for Sunday’s game against the Chiefs, according to multiple reports.
NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero first reported that Rodgers, who is not vaccinated, tested positive Wednesday. The NFL-NFLPA guidelines for positive COVID-19 tests require a minimum absence of 10 days for unvaccinated players. The earliest Rodgers can return to the Packers is Nov. 13.
Rodgers informed his teammates a few minutes ago of his positive test. Jordan Love will have his first NFL start against Patrick Mahomes on Sunday in Kansas City. https://t.co/VFPucQaT4S
– Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) November 3, 2021
With Rodgers out, the Packers will turn to 2020 first-round pick Jordan Love, who will make his first NFL start.
MORE: Explaining NFL Rules for Vaccinated and Unvaccinated Players
Is Aaron Rodgers playing the Chiefs?
Rodgers, as an unvaccinated player, will not be eligible to play Sunday against the Chiefs after testing positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday.
According to the NFL COVID-19 guidelines for unvaccinated players:
If an unvaccinated person tests positive, the 2020 protocols will remain in effect. The person will be isolated for a period of 10 days and then allowed to return to the service if they are asymptomatic.
Unvaccinated people will continue to be subject to a five-day quarantine period if they have close contact with an infected person.
A vaccinated player who tests positive for a groundbreaking COVID-19 case could return after two negative tests at least 24 hours apart.
The earliest Rodgers can return to the Packers is Saturday, November 13. The Packers play the Seahawks on November 14 in Week 10.
MORE: Packers QB Depth Chart Breakdown
Is Aaron Rodgers vaccinated?
During the offseason, Rodgers told reporters that he was “immunized” against the coronavirus, adding that it is a personal choice whether or not one decides to receive the vaccine.
“Yes, I have been immunized” Rodgers said during preseason. “There’s a lot of talk around that, in the league, and a lot of guys who have made statements and not statements, owners who have made statements. There are guys on the team who haven’t been vaccinated. I think it is a personal decision. I’m not going to judge those guys. “
However, several reports on Wednesday contradicted Rodgers’ public statements on Aug. 28.
The “immunized” comment was an interesting response, and the question was a bit loosely worded: The journalist asked Rodgers what his stance is on vaccination and whether he has been vaccinated, but not specifically the coronavirus vaccine.
But, Rodgers’ vaccination status was apparently confirmed with the QB on Sunday, and also by NFL Network reporters Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo.
Whatever the case, the Packers won’t see Rodgers under center Sunday.
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Eddie is an Australian news reporter with over 9 years in the industry and has published on Forbes and tech crunch.