Veteran QB Blake Bortles is flying to Green Bay with the expectation he will sign to the Packers’ practice squad and be eligible for the 53-man roster Sunday, per source. Bortles was on the Packers’ roster this summer until Aaron Rodgers reported.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 3, 2021
The Green Bay Packers will turn to a familiar face to help the team’s current quarterback situation after starter Aaron Rodgers tested positive for COVID-19.
According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, the Packers are expected to sign quarterback Blake Bortles to the team’s practice squad, providing the ability to elevate the veteran quarterback to the gameday roster as the primary backup behind expected starter Jordan Love.
The Packers need a quarterback now because both Rodgers and practice squad quarterback Kurt Benkert have COVID-19. Love is currently the only available quarterback on the team.
Earlier Wednesday, coach Matt LaFleur confirmed the team would be making an addition at the position. Bortles was in Green Bay over the summer and likely represented the best option available on short notice.
The Packers first signed Bortles to the roster on May 24 to help with depth at quarterback as Rodgers contemplated his future away from the team. He was released on July 27 when Rodgers finally reported to training camp. His two months of experience in the offense and working with Matt LaFleur will be valuable as he joins the team mid-week and begins prep for the Kansas City Chiefs.
Teams can elevate a player from the practice twice in a season, although elevations as COVID-19 replacements don’t count. The Packers will have the ability to elevate Bortles as replacement for Rodgers, who will go on the COVID-19 reserve list on Wednesday.
Bortles has played in 78 career games in the NFL but hasn’t appeared in a regular season game since 2019. His career passer rating is 80.6.
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