Aaron Rodgers praises energy veteran additions have brought to Packers
With questions about Aaron Rodgers’ and Davante Adams’ long-term futures dominating preseason headlines, the Green Bay Packers have gone all-in on veteran help. Question marks remain beyond the 2021-22 season, but veteran additions have brought short-term balance to the field and locker room.
The influx of veterans started in June, when the Packers added linebacker De’Vonde Campbell to the roster. A July trade reunited Aaron Rodgers with long-time slot receiver Randall Cobb and provided veteran help for Davante Adams outside.
When the season started, the signing kept coming. First, the Packers went after surprise Dallas Cowboys release Jaylon Smith, who slid straight into the linebacker rotation. Although the Carolina Panthers beat them to the punch on Stephon Gilmore, Green Bay responded by swooping in for Rasul Douglas, who spent time on the Arizona Cardinals practice squad. Most recently, the team added veteran pass rusher Whitney Mercilus to its already deep linebacker unit.
“You love when you can plug in veteran players who can play football at a high level in those spots… I love the energy with these guys,” Rodgers said, via Brandon Carwile of USAToday.com.
The veteran additions have not come without key subtractions, starting with cornerback Jaire Alexander and outside linebacker Za’Darius Smith on injury reserve. The wide receiver sore took a massive blow this week Davante Adams and Allen Lazard were added to the COVID-19 list, making matters worse with Marquez Valdes-Scantling already on injury reserve.
Heading into their Thursday night meeting with the undefeated Arizona Cardinals, Green Bay has Randall Cobb, Amari Rodgers and Equanimeous St. Brown available.
Aaron Rodgers on Davante Adams absence
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.”
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.