Packers have four players in the COVID protocol: Preston Smith, Za’Darius Smith, Elgton Jenkins and Dean Lowry.
Doesn’t necessarily mean a positive test but they’re not allowed at practice or in the building.
— Rob Demovsky (@RobDemovsky) June 8, 2021
Minicamp is off to a rocky start for the Green Bay Packers. Not only is MVP quarterback Aaron Rodgers not in attendance, but four starters, including three on defense, are in the COVID protocol and can’t participate.
According to Rob Demovsky of ESPN, outside linebacker Za’Darius Smith, offensive lineman Elgton Jenkins, outside linebacker Preston Smith and defensive lineman Dean Lowry are all out on Tuesday while in the protocol.
The four players can’t practice or be with the team at the facility until they pass through the protocol. However, being in the protocol doesn’t necessarily mean a positive COVID test for any of the four players.
The biggest setback here is Jenkins missing reps at left tackle, a position he could start the season at if David Bakhtiari (ACL) isn’t ready for Week 1.
Rodgers is the only absence from minicamp that isn’t COVID-related.
The good news is that missing a few practices in June won’t make or break the season for any of the four well-established players. All four are guaranteed to be on the roster and playing significant roles for the Packers in 2021.
There’s more good news. All five receivers that skipped OTAs reported to minicamp, including Davante Adams. So did cornerback Jaire Alexander.
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