UNDATED (AP) — Green Bay Packers players say the status of quarterback Aaron Rodgers won’t distract them in their offseason preparations.
The NFL Most Valuable Player hasn’t been present for organized team activities this week following an ESPN report last month that he doesn’t want to return to Green Bay. Rodgers was noncommittal about his future in an ESPN interview Monday night.
All-Pro selection Davante Adams and most of the Packers’ other receivers weren’t at Tuesday’s OTA session, either.
Also happening in the NFL:
— The Falcons began their offseason training program without longtime star receiver Julio Jones, who apparently has no intention of returning to a rebuilding team that is still struggling to get under the salary cap. Rookie coach Arthur Smith was tight-lipped about the Falcons’ options. But he insisted that he doesn’t begrudge Jones for speaking his mind.
— Injured quarterback Joe Burrow says he’ll be ready for the Bengals’ season opener on Sept. 12. He had surgery on his left knee in December, and he said it’s back to 80 to 85%. Wearing a knee brace, he threw on the practice field on the first day of organized team activities in which every eligible Bengals player took part.
— Bills players are split on whether to get vaccinated at the same time coach Sean McDermott is raising concerns that his team could fall behind in having COVID-19 protocol restrictions loosened for the start of training camp. McDermott notes the issue can be divisive and says he is attempting to educate rather than convince his players to get fully vaccinated. At issue is the six-week period for those who receive a two-dose vaccine in order to be deemed fully vaccinated. The time frame will soon be pushing into the Bills opening training camp in late July.
— The Steelers have decided not to boycott offseason activities after all. A majority of the 90-man roster showed up for the start of organized team activities. The players hinted last month they may skip the voluntary OTAs due to concerns over health protocols and protections.
— The Pro Football Hall of Fame is going to open all its exhibits on Friday. The reopening includes several exhibits and areas that had remained offline since the COVID-19 pandemic closed the Hall for nearly three months last year. Visitors and employees who are fully vaccinated against the coronavirus may stop wearing masks or maintaining social distance inside the museum. Those not fully vaccinated are encouraged to wear masks.
