With the NFC Divisional Playoff just days away, the Green Bay Packers were able to exhale a big sigh of relief but only for the moment.
Jared Veldheer’s move from Indianapolis to Green Bay to the Reserve/Covid list in three days caught the organization surely by surprise. The 33 year old veteran insurance policy for the offensive line has been isolated from the rest of the team and will miss Saturday’s post-season date against the Los Angeles Rams.
Head Coach Matt LaFleur said he slept well Wednesday night while the rest of Packer nation likely tossed and turned over the possibility of the coronavirus turning Lambeau Field into this week’s Cleveland Browns headquarters. LaFleur said right from the start of the pandemic-driven football season, you can only control the control-ables and be prepared to adapt.
The team’s Covid protocols held firm after the contact tracing investigation turned up no other cases. Valdheer did participate in the walk through Tuesday and when his positive test was learned early Wednesday morning, the tracing investigation kicked into high gear.
Today, the team was back on Clarke Hinkle Field, thankfully, the entire team was out there. Testing will still take place Friday and Saturday, the day of the game and the team will keep their fingers crossed.
LaFleur is confident the team’s protocols have been strict and followed. Offensive tackle Billy Turner talked about the offensive line room was surprised to learn of Veldheer’s positive test adding it’s 2020 and now the 2021 way of life with a serious and deadly virus. Turner said meetings for the line take place in the spacious media auditorium and the players are distanced beyond the 6 foot recommendation, going as much as 10 feet or more. The GPS trackers start ringing when players get too close to each other, masks are worn diligently and the team has avoided a crippling outbreak.
The final injury report is out and the Packers are in good shape. Defensive tackle Kinsgley Keke has emerged from the concussion protocol but is listed as doubtful for the game. Kevin King, Alan Lazard, Marcedes Lewis, Za’Darius Smith, Equanimeous St. Brown and Rick Wagner were all on the list but without a designation meaning they’re all good to go.
In Los Angeles, Rams Head Coach Sean McVay ruled quarterback John Wolford out. He started the regular season finale and the Wild Card game in Seattle last Saturday but suffered a neck stinger in the first half. He didn’t practice all week. Jared Goff will be back in the starting lineup, three weeks removed from surgery to repair a broken right thumb suffered in the Week 16 game also against the Seahawks. Goff replaced Wolford last week and passed for 155 yards (9 completions, 19 attempts) with a touchdown. Linebacker Terrell Lewis with an ankle injury has also been ruled out. Starting guard Dave Edwards and wide receiver Cooper Kupp were both listed as questionable. Aaron Donald who suffered a rib injury last week, practiced for the first time on Thursday and was deemed fit to play.
Aaron Jones should play a big role against the Rams. Plenty of Green Bay area kids are hoping it’s really big. Jones, along with Cousins Subs announced the Yards for Shoes campaign this week. For every rushing yard Aaron gains in the post-season, he’ll donate a pair of new shoes to elementary and middle school kids in need. The NFL’s 4th leading rusher has a chance, through another fantastic show of generosity, to put a lot of happy feet in brand new shoes.
Friday will have the Packers put the finishing touches on their playoff game plan as the Rams board a plane, leaving sunny, 80 degree weather and touch down at Austin Straubel International Airport to a 2 to 4 inch fresh coating of snow and temperatures around 30 degrees. Perfect.
