Aaron Rodgers discusses potentially playing without star receiver Davante Adams
Quarterback Aaron Rodgers would like to have his top wide receiver and one of the best in the business on the field Thursday night when the Green Bay Packers play the Arizona Cardinals, but that may not happen. He is hopeful that even in Davante Adams’ potential absence, the Packers can find a way to take down the NFL’s only undefeated team.
Rodgers has “dealt with” games without Adams in the past due to minor injuries, and the Packers boast a 6-0 record in those contests.
“I don’t know. We’re not a better team without him, that’s for sure,” Rodgers said regarding winning without Adams. “Look at each of those games, we just found a way.”
Adams was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list on Monday, but the Rodgers is not concerned about his health despite spending a lot of time with his top target. Thankfully for the Packers, the change with Adams was known early enough to adjust the game plan.
In addition to Adams’ absence, wideout Allen Lazard was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list on Tuesday, and Marquez Valdes-Scantling has been working through a hamstring injury which has sidelined him for the last four games. If all three receivers are unavailable on Thursday, Green Bay will be without its top-three pass catchers.
Receiver Randall Cobb and running back Aaron Jones will likely be Rodgers’ go-to targets on Thursday in the event the other three are out.
Packers without DC for Thursday
On the defensive side of the ball, Green Bay will have to try to stop quarterback Kyler Murray and a potent Arizona Cardinals offense without their defensive coordinator in the building. Defensive coordinator Joe Barry tested positive for COVID-19.
Passing game coordinator Jerry Gray will call the plays Thursday in Barry’s absence, and inside linebackers coach Kirk Olivadotti will relay the calls to linebacker De’Vondre Campbell.
A dismal Green Bay red zone defense looked much improved last weekend, but the previous bar was low. Prior to Sunday’s victory over the Washington Football Team, the Packers had failed to stop anyone from scoring a touchdown once they entered the redzone. They remain the third-worst red zone defense in the NFL.
Arizona is averaging 32.1 points per game, which is fourth in the NFL. The Cardinals are seventh in the country in red zone offense and overflowing with talent at the skill positions. Murray remains a favorite in the MVP race.
The Thursday Night Game kicks off at 8:20 p.m. ET on Fox and the NFL Network. Arizona is a 6.5-point favorite at home. The Cardinals are the only undefeated team left in the NFL, and Green Bay is on a six-game winning streak.