Packers-Seahawks Joint Practice: Jordan Love’s play and possible change at a key position highlight the top storylines on offense
The Packers offense is hoping to find answers to some questions against the Seahawks defense.
There’s just one week left in the preseason, but that week is a bit more intensive for the Green Bay Packers. The team hosts the Seattle Seahawks for one last joint practice session before Saturday’s finale.
We’ve already discussed what to look for on the defensive side of the ball, so naturally, it’s time to flip over to the top storylines surrounding Jordan Love and the offense entering the joint practice session. As mentioned previously, we’re focusing on the Packers-Seahawks joint practice instead of the preseason game because we know both team’s starters will see plenty of action. It’s not guaranteed to happen during the actual game on Saturday.
So, let’s stop wasting time and dive into the top storylines on offense and what they mean for the Seahawks’ defense.
What does Jordan Love look like during his ‘very limited’ availability?
Wendell: Jordan Love returned to practice on Monday, with the Packers adapting the work to fit what the quarterback can do coming back from a left thumb surgery a week ago. Matt LaFleur indicated that Love will be “very limited” in the joint practice with the Seahawks since the Packers want to make sure the quarterback will be 100% by Week 1.
“I thought it was good just to get him back out there, back in the mix, into the rhythm of playing quarterback,” LaFleur said on Tuesday. “We did some different things with him that we haven’t done in the past. I thought it was good work.”
Now, the question is whether Love will participate only in individual drills or if the team will agree to execute seven-on-sevens because of the Packers quarterback.
Evan Winter: Love’s return is a good thing for the Seahawks. Training camp and the preseason are all about getting tested to the max, and it just wouldn’t be the same experience, nor would the reps be as valuable, if Love wasn’t on the field in some capacity. This allows the Seahawks’ defense to get one last good series of reps to prepare for the regular season.
How does a depleted Packers WR group look against a good Seahawks secondary?
Wendell: This is the list of Packers wide receivers who caught passes against the Indianapolis Colts on Saturday: Cornelius Johnson, Mecole Hardman, Julian Hicks, and Malik Heath. Even though starters didn’t play, things wouldn’t have been much different based on who was available. First-round rookie Matthew Golden was active but didn’t see the field. Other than that, it’s a truly depleted room.
Christian Watson (knee), Jayden Reed (foot), Dontayvion Wicks (calf), and Savion Williams (hamstring) are all injured. The good news is that Romeo Doubs (back) returned to practice on Monday. With Love also dealing with a left thumb injury, the passing offense has to operate on a limited basis. Love has also returned, but how active he is and how many starting-caliber receivers he will have to throw to are big questions.
Evan: The Seahawks’ secondary is littered with talent, especially after selecting safety Nick Emmanwori in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft. What makes the unit unique is the different skill sets that come with each player. That, along with Mike Macdonald’s scheme, allows the group to match up with any receiving corps in the league.
This will be a good “floor” test. Meaning, if Seahawks DBs allow a bunch of plays, there will be a good reason for pause. But if it’s vice versa, then it’s a good sign for the future.
Can the left side of the Packers’ OL take a step toward finding some answers?
Wendell: The big battle across the Packers’ offensive line is at left tackle. Last year’s first-round pick Jordan Morgan has been impressive in the preseason, allowing zero pressures in the first two games. But now, incumbent starter Rasheed Walker is back from injury, which might create real competition. With Aaron Banks out of practice due to a recurring back problem, Morgan moved to left guard on Monday, which could create another layer to the battle. Morgan can also play at right guard if Walker beats him out, creating a separate competition with Sean Rhyan. The effort to find the so-called “best five” is up in Green Bay, and it’s been fun to watch.
Evan: The Seahawks have a good stable of pass rushers if Uchenna Nwosu participates in Thursday’s joint practice. If not, it’ll be veteran DeMarcus Lawrence, along with former second-rounders Derick Hall and Boye Mafe, leading the way against the Packers’ OL.
There’s also Leonard Williams and Byron Murphy around to make some noise against the left side of the line. It’ll be interesting to see how Green Bay responds.
Which Packers running back can take a step toward RB2 status?
Wendell: MarShawn Lloyd is hurt again. At this point, the Packers can’t count on last year’s third-round pick anymore, and whatever comes from him is a plus. Meanwhile, there is an intriguing competition brewing behind Josh Jacobs since several running backs have played well.
Emanuel Wilson is an explosive runner with a complementary style to Jacobs’, Chris Brooks is the definition of a useful player — with solid power, hands, and pass protection — and is an honorable special teamer. Undrafted rookie Amar Johnson has shown his running skills as well, with one touchdown in each of the first two preseason games, while recently-added Israel Abanikanda brings a good combination of offense and special teams contributions. The Packers also added Tyrion Davis-Price last week.
Evan: Tyrice Knight, the projected starter opposite Ernest Jones IV, is likely to miss the joint practice, so much like Green Bay’s running back situation, who can step up and fill the void?
Drake Thomas and Patrick O’Connell have filled the stat sheet more than anyone else, but it may be D’Eryk Jackson who’s played the best when placing things in an overall context.
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