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Packers 'mindful' as COVID-19 cases in Brown County skyrocket

Over the past two weeks, Green Bay has been the biggest coronavirus hot spot on the NFL map.
Posted at 9:09 AM, Sep 30, 2020
and last updated 2020-09-30 10:40:53-04

GREEN BAY, Wis. (NBC 26) -- Green Bay is currently the biggest COVID-19 hot spot on the NFL map.

From Sept. 13-Sept. 27, the Green Bay area had more than 100 positive COVID-19 tests per 100,000 residents, by far the biggest spike of any NFL city. No other market had more than 50 per 100,000 residents.

That information is according to the NFL Players Association.

Now, the NFL is facing its biggest coronavirus-related challenge to date, as three Tennessee Titans players and five more staff members tested positive for COVID-19, leaving their game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday in doubt.

Before news of the Titans outbreak became public, Packers coach Matt Lafleur said it was important for his team to stay "mindful" as Brown County numbers continue to spike.

"I think we always have to be very, very mindful especially where we're at in our area right now," LaFleur said. "If one guy gets it, it can take down this whole operation. Our guys have done an outstanding job and we've got to continue to be that way."

After the Titans news came out on Tuesday, Packers' center Corey Linsley said he is "concerned" about the threat of the virus.

"The fact of the matter is that this is the reality that we live in," he said. "I think that we've done a pretty good job in here. We have to do a good job of wearing a mask out in public, being aware of our surroundings. Because like I said, it's concerning."

The Packers have not registered a positive COVID-19 test since the team reported for training camp in late July, when four players tested positive.