Green Bay Packers to be without starting CB vs. Cleveland Browns

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Green Bay Packers activate wide receiver off COVID 19 list ahead of Vikings game sign David Moore Marquez Valdes Scantling — Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire

Less than an hour before kickoff against the Cleveland Browns, the Green Bay Packers announced a major addition to the reserve/COVID-19 list.

Cornerback Kevin King is in COVID-19 protocols, the Packers announced on Saturday. The announcement came shortly before Green Bay’s Christmas showdown with Cleveland at 4:25 p.m. ET.

King’s absence is huge for the Packers’ secondary. He recently returned from an injury and had three tackles in last week’s win over the Baltimore Ravens. He has 24 tackles on the season, including 16 solo tackles, and three passes defended in eight games.

In a corresponding move, Green Bay brought safety Innis Gaines up from the practice squad.

King is the second Packers cornerback placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list on Saturday. Shemar Jean-Curtis entered protocols Saturday morning, meaning Green Bay’s secondary won’t be in great shape against Cleveland.

The Packers are 11-3 this season and have clinched the NFC North title. They’re still competing for the top seed in the NFC and appear in good position to secure it.

Quarterback Aaron Rodgers has cemented himself in the MVP conversation once again. He’s the favorite to win the award for the second straight season, according to VegasInsider. Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady is a close second.

Green Bay Packers reveal inactive players vs. Cleveland Browns

As the Green Bay Packers get ready for a Christmas matinee with the Cleveland Browns, they announced their list of inactive players. There aren’t many surprises, though.

Tackle David Bakhtiari, guard/tackle Billy Turner and defensive lineman Kingsley Keke are all out for the Christmas showdown, which kicks off at 4:30 p.m. ET.

None of the three players practiced this week and were ruled out for the matchup. Linebacker Ty Summers and wide receiver Malik Taylor were also ruled out on Friday and were placed on injured reserve — meaning they aren’t on the inactive list.

Tight end Dominque Dafney was questionable on the final injury report but will be good to go for the game. He was limited in practice all week with an ankle injury.

The Packers are 11-3 this season and closing in on the No. 1 seed in the NFC.