Latest Packers injury update makes decision to play Jordan Love even more questionable

The injury rookie offensive lineman Jordan Morgan suffered will in fact force him to miss some training camp time. On Wednesday, Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur revealed that it's a shoulder injury. It's nothing long-term, according to LaFleur, but he will miss a week or two and won't face the Cleveland Browns in […]

Wendell Ferreira — NFL News Writer
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Jordan Morgan
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The injury rookie offensive lineman Jordan Morgan suffered will in fact force him to miss some training camp time. On Wednesday, Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur revealed that it's a shoulder injury. It's nothing long-term, according to LaFleur, but he will miss a week or two and won't face the Cleveland Browns in the preseason opener on Saturday.

Beyond being an unfortunate situation for a rookie to miss a part of his first NFL training camp, it also means a tougher situation for quarterback Jordan Love.

Offensive line issues

The Packers decided to play Love in the preseason opener, as LaFleur sees value in players getting ready for the start of the regular season. The point has its merits, but Green Bay's right side of the offensive line will be at a concerning spot.

Right tackle Zach Tom missed the entire offseason program and the start of camp because of a torn pec. He began doing team drills this week and performed well, but won't be available on Saturday yet, as the Packers ease his return to the field.

Now without Jordan Morgan as well, the expectation is that backup Sean Rhyan, a 2022 third-round pick, will start at right guard. The right tackle position hasn't been clarified yet, but it's between veteran Andre Dillard and inexperienced developmental player Kadeem Telfort — Dillard is favored to play.

A combination of Sean Rhyan and Andre Dillard is not exactly what you would want putting the franchise quarterback out there on the field. Even though preseason gameplans are built to throw fast and protect the passer, the risk is obviously higher with 40% of the offensive line out for the game.

Expectation

It's still not clear when Jordan Morgan will be back, but based on what Matt LaFleur said, there's no concerns for his availability in week 1 against the Philadelphia Eagles, in Brazil. Zach Tom looked good on Tuesday, and he might get back in week 2 of preseason against the Denver Broncos.

"He looked better than I would have expected," said LaFleur when asked about Tom.

If Morgan and Tom are both available in Denver, that would probably allow the Packers to play Jordan Love for more than one series, which helps their overall plan to be at full strength when the regular season begins.

For now, the main priority is to keep Jordan Love healthy.

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