Matt LaFleur offers clarity on Jordan Love’s concussion recovery and why the Packers are taking a measured approach
It’s a league-wide process, and the Packers didn’t have control over what was going to happen.
It wasn’t a choice. Jordan Love did not clear the concussion protocol in time to play the Baltimore Ravens last Saturday, and that’s why the Green Bay Packers ruled him out on Friday and had to start backup Malik Willis.
After the game, head coach Matt LaFleur explained why Love didn’t have the chance to play the final game of the season at Lambeau Field.
“He just didn’t clear the protocol,” LaFleur admitted. “I’m no expert in regards to how it all works. There are a lot of tests you have to pass. Unfortunately, I think he’s feeling physically good, but they have those measures in place to protect our players, and he didn’t pass the necessary tests to clear the protocol.”
The concussion protocol is a five-step process. And while Love was healthy enough to practice throughout the entire week, he wasn’t cleared to play.
A big decision is ahead
More likely than not, Jordan Love will be cleared from the protocol this week. Now, yes, LaFleur and the coaching staff will have a decision to make. Even though Willis played at a high level, the Packers lost 41-24 to the Ravens, and now they’re out of the battle for the NFC North title — the Chicago Bears won it for the first time since 2018.
In Week 18, the Packers face the Minnesota Vikings in a meaningless game. Matt LaFleur said after the game it was “too soon” to make a final call, but at least the Packers will have the opportunity to choose what they are going to do with their franchise quarterback.
“I don’t want to speak too soon on that,” LaFleur mentioned. “We just want to get him through the protocol, and then we’ll have a decision to make.”
Last year, Jordan Love suffered an elbow injury and wide receiver Christian Watson tore his ACL in an almost meaningless Week 18 game against the Chicago Bears. If that game was a lesson, Love won’t see the field again until the playoffs.
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Green Bay lost to the Ravens at Lambeau Field and is out of the NFC North title race.
