Green Bay Packers defensive lineman Kenny Clark (Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports)
New NFL COVID protocols will give Packers defensive lineman Kenny Clark a better chance of getting back in time to play the Ravens.
The NFL instituting new COVID protocols for vaccinated players could have a huge impact on the Packers and their upcoming game against the Ravens.
Kenny Clark is currently the only player from Green Bay on the NFL’s COVID list. The hurdle he needs to clear to play was lowered by the NFL this week.
The league changed rules to allow asymptomatic vaccinated players to be removed from the COVID list with just one negative test.
New NFL COVID protocols could get Kenny Clark back quicker
Clark is subject to the new protocols, according to Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. That means he could play on Sunday if he is asymptomatic and produces a negative test between now and the start of the game.
While there is a chance of Clark playing, Packers head coach Matt LaFleur told reporters he isn’t holding his breath. He said he doesn’t anticipate Clark taking part, per Wes Hodkiewicz of Packers.com.
If Clark can’t play, T.J. Slaton could slide up into his spot at nose tackle.
The head coach added that no new players had to be added to the COVID list, so Green Bay is in a much better position than many teams, despite possibly missing Clark.
Clark has started 13 games this season with four sacks, seven tackles for loss and a career-high 13 QB hits. His numbers are comparable to his 2019 Pro Bowl campaign.
The Ravens have four players on the COVID list including running back Nate McCrary, defensive back Chuck Clark, offensive lineman Trystan Colon and wide receiver Binjimen Victor.