Shortly after the news of Packers star Aaron Rodgers being ruled out for Sunday's game against the Chiefs, Green Bay coach Matt LaFleur met with the media Wednesday and was asked about the team's plan at quarterback.
"It's all hands on deck, man," LaFleur said before jokingly asking a reporter: "Can you throw?"
The Packers roster lists only three quarterbacks: Aaron Rodgers, Jordan Love and Kurt Benkert.
Rodgers on Wednesday tested positive for COVID-19 and will miss Sunday's game against the Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium. Benkert, who is Green Bay's practice squad quarterback, is on the COVID-19 list, although he is vaccinated, Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel noted.
So, four days before they face the Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium, the Packers have just one quarterback who is eligible to play Sunday: Love, and he's never started an NFL game. LaFleur acknowledged Green Bay is trying to determine who will back up Love.
"That's something that we're definitely trying to find," LaFleur said. 'We have to bring somebody into the building to give us some depth there. "
The Packers website said for now Love will take snaps with both the first team and scout team in practice.
LaFleur, who joked he would loosen up his arm and join the scout team, didn't seem to rule out using a position player at quarterback in a worst-case scenario.
"I think you've got to have an open mind to anything and try to be as creative as possible in case you get into a situation like that," he said. "Going through and watching last season, shoot we saw a team (Denver) play a game with a wide receiver at quarterback so you've got to be prepared for everything."
But help soon will arrive.
Former Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles is expected to sign with the Packers and back up Love, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported.
LaFleur said he told his team Sunday's game won't be easy for the Packers.
"Nobody's gonna feel sorry for us," LaFleur said. "And we all have to prepare to the best of our ability to go down there and get a win. And that's the mindset. They're not going to postpone or cancel the game. We have a game to play. It's the next-man-up mentality. And that's how we've operated for everybody.
"I think our guys will rally around Jordan. We've got a lot of confidence in him. And what a great opportunity for him to showcase what he can do."
Love will be making his first NFL start in one of the most intimidating settings in the league: Arrowhead Stadium.
"It's not an easy place to play," LaFleur said. "You're talking about one of the loudest stadiums in the National Football League, or the loudest stadium in the National Football League. It's a team that's been to back-to-back Super Bowls. So it's gonna be a great challenge for us."
This story was originally published November 3, 2021 1:36 PM.
