Packers officially sign veteran NFL quarterback to practice squad
With Aaron Rodgers on the COVID-19 list, the Green Bay Packers are bringing a new quarterback onto the practice squad.
Green Bay has signed former Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles to their practice squad, they announced Thursday afternoon. On Wednesday, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Bortles is expected to be activated for the Packers’ game against Kansas City on Sunday.
Bortles hasn’t played a snap in the NFL since 2019 when he played for the Los Angeles Rams. The Jaguars selected him 3rd overall in the 2014 after an impressive career at UCF, which got him in to the Knights’ Hall of Fame. His senior year ended with 2013 American Athletic Conference Player of the Year and Fiesta Bowl MVP honors.
He spent five years in Jacksonville before he was released to make room for Nick Foles. Bortles then latched on with the Rams in 2019, and the Denver Broncos signed him that offseason. However, he didn’t play at all in Denver and was cited for violating COVID-19 protocols. Bortles then signed back with the Rams and, once again, didn’t see the field.
Now, he’s hoping to help the Packers out after Aaron Rodgers tested positive for COVID-19 this week. Jordan Love is the starter, meaning Bortles would be his backup. Green Bay is gearing up to face Kansas City on Sunday at 3:25 p.m. ET.
Rodgers tests positive for COVID-19
Green Bay Packers star quarterback Aaron Rodgers has tested positive for COVID-19, according to NFL reporter Tom Pelissero. Rodgers’ diagnosis means he will miss the Packers’ Week 9 game versus the 4-4 Kansas City Chiefs.
The 17-year NFL vet is unvaccinated against the coronavirus, according to NFL insider Ian Rapoport.
Packers practice squad QB Kurt Benkert tested positive earlier this week.
Aaron Rodgers and the Pack picked up win No. 7 this year on Thursday night. Green Bay took down the Arizona Cardinals in a 24-21 battle.
The 7-1 Packers have a steady lead in the NFC North. Behind them, the Minnesota Vikings and Chicago Bears have three wins apiece.
Rodgers is having a great season for the Packers despite off-season drama. The vet has 1,894 passing yards through eight games with 17 touchdowns and three interceptions. Rodgers’ completion percentage at 67% is one of his best yet, following his 70% year last season that earned him another MVP award.
Reporters asked Aaron Rodgers in August if he was vaccinated and he said, “Yeah, I’ve been immunized.”
“There are guys on the team who haven’t been vaccinated, it’s a personal decision, I’m not going to judge those guys,” Rodgers said. “It’s an interesting issue I think we’re going to see played out the entire season.”