By The Associated Press

Michigan State basketball coach Tom Izzo has resumed leading his team, two weeks following a positive COVID-19 test and after isolating at home.

Izzo was cleared to attend practices over the weekend and returned to work in his on-campus office on Monday. The Hall of Fame coach will be on bench with the 13th-ranked Spartans in their season-opening game Wednesday night at home against Eastern Michigan.

“Our front-line workers during this time have been so essential, and I have a great appreciation for those people and what they have done to fight this disease during this time,” Izzo said. “While some people who have tested positive have not been affected too much by it, I am here to tell you that this virus is no joke and everyone must take this seriously.”

— The Green Bay Packers say they’re inviting a small group of team employees and their family members will attend the team’s Sunday night home game with the Chicago Bears to help evaluate Lambeau Field’s COVID-19 protocols.

Packers officials said about 500 people are being invited to attend the game. This is part of the process of evaluating enhanced protocols in case ticketed fans are allowed to attend home games later this season. Fans haven’t been permitted at any Packers home games so far this season.

Anyone attending Sunday’s game must comply with a new eat policy requiring spectators to remain within their socially distanced household “pod” of seats unless they’re using the rest room or purchasing food or drinks.

–The Butler Bulldogs will open their men’s basketball season Wednesday night with up to 1,500 fans at Hinkle Fieldhouse. Butler opens play against Western Michigan.

Western Michigan coach Clayton Bates has announced that senior Greg Lee, junior William Boyer-Richard and redshirt junior Jason Whitens will serve as the team’s captains for the 2020-21 season.

Whitens, a former North Central standout, ranked second on the team last season at 4.3 rebounds per game.