Report: Packers' Aaron Rodgers can't opt out unless he's developed a condition since October

Via a memo sent to clubs on Wednesday, NFL players learned they have until July 2 at 4 p.m. ET to inform their teams they are opting out of the 2021 season because of reasons linked to the COVID-19 pandemic. Some observers immediately wondered if Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers could skip the campaign via this method as he continues to stay away from the Packers amid rumors and reports he does want to play another down for them.

It appears he does not have that option. 

According to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, wording in the previously mentioned memo states that players who did not opt out last year can only do so for the 2021 season if they "developed a high-risk condition" since Oct. 1. Voluntary opt-outs get no stipend this time around, and Florio notes that Rodgers would lose $14.7 million in salary that would be shifted to 2022 if he chooses to not play this fall. 

It's widely assumed Rodgers would not be deemed "high-risk" for COVID-19 by the July 4 weekend, and the Packers have not given any indication they're trading the reigning NFL Most Valuable Player this summer. He and other veteran players remain due to report for training camp July 27.