Aaron Rodgers skips Packers mandatory minicamp, Jordan Love struggles

The drama between the Green Bay Packers and Aaron Rodgers took a step forward on Tuesday when Rodgers didn't report for the team's mandatory minicamp.

According to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, Rodgers was not present when the Packers began camp this morning and has officially begun a holdout.

With the Packers trading up for Jordan Love in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft, the Packers are planning for a future without Rodgers. The 37-year-old responded by leading the Packers to their second straight NFC Championship Game and winning his third NFL Most Valuable Player Award in 2020. 

Despite his success, Rodgers made cryptic comments throughout the year suggesting it could be his last season in Green Bay.

Those comments have turned into a full-blown firestorm this offseason as Rodgers has told teammates he has no desire to return to the team and reportedly wants the dismissal of general manager Brian Gutenkunst. In return, the Packers have stated that they have no intention of trading Rodgers.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Packers can fine Rodgers up to $93,085 for skipping minicamp but Rodgers has several options including retiring and hosting Jeopardy. Packers head coach Matt LeFleur told reporters on Tuesday that the team has not decided if they will excuse the absence.

WIth Rodgers absent, the Packers will turn to Love and veteran Blake Bortles sit atop the team's depth chart during minicamp. After a year on the sidelines, Love has drawn rave reviews from the Packers' coaching staff but The Athletic's Matt Schneidman and ESPN's Rob Demovsky noted Love's struggles during Tuesday's practice.

All of this could be for nothing as Rodgers could show up for training camp or prior to the start of the 2021 season. But with the rest of the NFC North watching, this drama is far from over.