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Green Bay Packers’ resourcefulness tested again after COVID positives by Davante Adams, Joe Barry

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Allen Lazard rushes with the ball against the Washington Football Team during the first half on Sunday in Green Bay, Wis. (AP photo)

GREEN BAY, Wis. — The Green Bay Packers have demonstrated all season they can win games when they’re not even close to full strength.

Now they’re about to face a challenge unlike anything they’ve encountered all year.

The Packers (6-1) will put their six-game winning streak at stake Thursday night at the unbeaten Arizona Cardinals (7-0). And they could be making that trip without 2020 All-Pro receiver Davante Adams or defensive coordinator Joe Barry.

Green Bay placed Adams on the reserve/COVID-19 list Monday afternoon not long after coach Matt LaFleur confirmed that Barry had tested positive.

They could only be available for Thursday’s game if they’re fully vaccinated and test negative for the virus on consecutive days. Monday’s news also leaves open the possibility the Packers could have more virus-related absences as they play their toughest opponent thus far.

Green Bay Packers running back Aaron Jones (33) is tackled by Washington Football Team cornerback Danny Johnson (36) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 24, 2021, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Kamil Krzaczynski)

“You have to take it in stride and just approach it with positive mind and a positive attitude, and just make the best of whatever situation you encounter,” LaFleur said.

The Packers have grown accustomed to playing without some of their biggest names, though the potential loss of Adams looms particularly large.

Green Bay kept its winning streak alive Sunday by beating Washington 24-10 without outside linebackers Preston Smith and Za’Darius Smith; cornerbacks Jaire Alexander and Kevin King; center Josh Myers; and wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling. Offensive tackle and 2020 All-Pro selection David Bakhtiari still hasn’t played this season as he gets closer to returning from a torn anterior cruciate ligament.

Yet the Packers keep winning, thanks in part to a defense that has come a long way since Green Bay’s 38-3 season-opening loss to the New Orleans Saints.

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