Aaron Rodgers has tested positive for COVID-19 and was been 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 on Wednesday. NFL-NFLPA guidelines for positive COVID-19 tests mandate a minimum 10-day absence for unvaccinated players. The earliest Rodgers can return to the Packers is Nov. 13.
Rodgers informed teammates a few minutes ago of his positive test. Jordan Love will get 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 the NFL's rules for vaccinated, unvaccinated players
Is Aaron Rodgers playing vs. Chiefs?
Rodgers, as an unvaccinated player, will not be eligible to play on Sunday vs. the Chiefs after testing positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday.
Per the NFL's COVID-19 guidelines for unvaccinated players:
If an unvaccinated person tests positive, the protocols from 2020 will remain in effect. The person will be isolated for a period of 10 days and will then be permitted to return to duty if asymptomatic.
Unvaccinated individuals will continue to be subject to a five-day quarantine period if they have close contact with an infected individual.
A vaccinated player who tests positive with a breakthrough COVID-19 case would be permitted to return after two negative tests at least 24 hours apart.
The earliest Rodgers can return to the Packers is Saturday, Nov. 13. The Packers play the Seahawks on Nov. 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's a personal choice should one decide to get, or not get, the vaccine.
“Yeah, I’ve been immunized,” Rodgers said during the preseason. “There’s a lot of conversation around it, around the league, and a lot of guys who have made statements and not made statements, owners who have made statements. There’s guys on the team that haven’t been vaccinated. I think it’s a personal decision. I’m not going to judge those guys."
However, multiple reports on Wednesday contradicted Rodgers' public statements on Aug. 28.
The "immunized" comment was an interesting answer, and the question was a bit vaguely worded: The reporter asked Rodgers what his stance on vaccination is and if he's been vaccinated, but not specifically the coronavirus vaccine.
But, Rodgers' vaccination status was seemingly confirmed with the QB out on Sunday, and also from NFL Network reporters Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo.
#Packers QB Aaron Rodgers is unvaccinated, per me and @MikeGarafolo. That’s why he’s out for Sunday vs. the #Chiefs.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 3, 2021
Whatever the case is, the Packers will not see Rodgers under center come Sunday.
