Packers 'Going About Their Business' Without Rodgers, WRs During OTAs
While not much has changed for the Green Bay Packers and their quarterback situation, head coach Matt LaFleur's message to the team at the start of organized team activities is simple: control what you can control.
The situation with Rodgers may not be resolved anytime soon, and LaFleur wants the guys to focus on their opportunity for individual improvement over the next month, Packers.com's Mike Spofford reports.
"That is something we did talk about briefly with our team," LaFleur said after Tuesday's workout. "I think you've always got to address any of the noise that's out there. The message is … try to be the best player each and every day, attack it with the right mindset, a great attitude, great energy and just try to get better as a player."
For the Packers' offense, that means working on second-year QB Jordan Love's development, LaFleur emphasized. Recent veteran signee Blake Bortles is in attendance but not yet suiting up as he progresses toward taking reps in OTAs.
Rodgers did not report to Lambeau Field on Monday for the start of organized team activities, and his absences could disqualify him from his $500,000 bonus, OutKick's Bobby Burack reported.
Also absent from the second day of OTAs were Green Bay's top five wide receivers: Davante Adams, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Allen Lazard, Devin Funchess and Equanimeous St. Brown.
ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that QB Jordan Love had to work with a makeshift WR crew during the workout.
"I just think a great opportunity for the guys that are here to continue to build and grow in their game," he said. "It's provided opportunity — you get a lot more exposure to some of the younger guys that might not get the reps they would get if some of the other guys were. There's a lot of competition. The attitude and energy is great, and there's a lot of improvement."
The longtime Packers quarterback joined Kenny Mayne for the ESPN anchor’s final farewell on SportsCenter Monday night, OutKick's Clint Lamb reported. In that interview, Rodgers made several interesting comments that shed some light on the current rift with the organization.
Rodgers' appearance seemed to provide no clarity on what the Packers can do to mend the rift with their franchise quarterback. LaFleur simply reiterated what he said two weeks ago, that the team is continuing to work through this and made it very clear during his Tuesday media availability that they want him back.
Packers defensive lineman Kenny Clark said the team is focusing on controlling what they can control as they proceed throughout OTAs.
"We've got to leave that situation to the organization and Aaron," Clark said. "We're going to go about our business."