Green Bay Packers finalize the playing status of Davante Adams

Green Bay Packers star Davante Adams (reserve/COVID-19) will not play on Thursday night against the undefeated Arizona Cardinals, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapaport. The All-Pro wide receiver entered COVID-19 safety protocol this week on the reserve/COVID-19 list, following a positive test within the organization.

Despite missing practice and failing to travel with the team, there was lingered hope, as recently as Wednesday, that Adams could clear health and safety protocols in time to join his teammates. That opportunity has not come, leaving Aaron Rodgers without his top weapon.

Davante Adams is joined by fellow wide receiver Allen Lazard, who took on an increased role last week, on the reserve/COVID-19 list. The absence of Adams and Lazard, coupled with Marquez Valdes-Scantling’s move to injury reserve, leaves the Packers with just three wide receivers on the active roster.

The remaining targets for Aaron Rodgers include Randall Cobb, Equanimeous St. Brown and Amari Rodgers. Tight ends Robert Tonyan and Mercedes Lewis could also take on an increased role.

The Packers also lost defensive coordinator Joe Barry after he tested positive with COVID-19. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that given the short week, the Green Bay Packers entered an enhanced mitigation version of COVID protocols. This called for daily testing an masks at the facility.

Importance of Packers vs Cardinals

Despite playing without his top targets, Aaron Rodgers is desperate for a win Thursday. As a veteran, he understands the impact of games like this.

“Well, we’re playing a great football team,” said Rodgers. “They’ve got a lot of confidence. This has the playoff type implication game. Even though it is just Week 8. We’re aware of that. A lot of times, when you’re not playing a division opponent, it comes down to tiebreakers like this.”

The Arizona Cardinals rank atop the NFC with a 7-0 record, but the 6-1 Green Bay Packers winning could shake up the standings. Not only would the teams tie at 7-1, but the Packers would also hold the important head-to-head tie breaker. As both teams look to hold off the defending champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Los Angeles Rams, also 6-1, this win becomes incredibly important.

 “There’s still a lot of football and a lot that can happen throughout the season—with momentum and the way teams play. But it’s an important one. It’s one of those Thursday games that the league loves so much that are obviously tough on the body. We’re looking forward to the challenge and looking forward to the three days off afterwards.”