Week 9 was supposed to be a clash of top-tier quarterbacks on the Kansas City Chiefs’ midseason schedule, but after Aaron Rodgers was diagnosed with COVID-19 on Wednesday, the discourse regarding their matchup against Green Bay has changed completely. Regardless of what Rodgers’ actions were or weren’t, or whether he’ll face discipline from the league is irrelevant as far as the Chiefs are concerned, but he is officially out of the equation for this game.
Kansas City’s quarterback Patrick Mahomes was noticeably disheartened by Wednesday’s developments in the team’s pre-practice press conference, saying he was looking forward to the challenge of playing against a bonafide legend.
“It’s definitely disappointing,” Mahomes told reporters of Rodgers’ upcoming absence. “When you get to see an all-time great like him play and I’ve kind of watched his game for a long time, feeling that I play a similar style, you always want to compete against the best. Hopefully, he’s healthy, it’s not too bad, I’m sure he’ll come back from it stronger than he was before.”
Packers’ backup quarterback Jordan Love is likely to make his first NFL start in what could be a glimpse into the future of one of the league’s most storied franchises. Love has yet to start a game at the professional level, but he was considered one of the top prospects at the position in the 2020 NFL draft.
Asked about his thoughts on the up-and-comer, Mahomes said he was impressed by what he saw of his college film, and that Green Bay’s offense is primed to perform whether Rodgers is available or not.
“I got to watch some games he played in college, obviously, and he was slinging it around the field making a lot of plays happen,” Mahomes explained. “What he’s done in the preseason, he had a great preseason and played really well, so I’m sure he’ll be ready. They have a great offense; he’ll be able to step in and do what he can to have success.”
The game might not be as exciting as it was supposed to be initially, but Kansas City will still have their hands full trying to get back above .500 for the first time since Week 1.
