Packers reveal Jordan Love's injury designation ahead of the Colts game
There is still hope for the Green Bay Packers that quarterback Jordan Love will be available to play against the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday. The team released its Friday injury report after practice, and Love is listed as questionable to play. This feels like a positive scenario for the Packers, because Love could have been […]
There is still hope for the Green Bay Packers that quarterback Jordan Love will be available to play against the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday. The team released its Friday injury report after practice, and Love is listed as questionable to play.
This feels like a positive scenario for the Packers, because Love could have been declared out or be listed as doubtful to play. Since Love is questionable, there's a more realistic shot for him to be on the field against the Colts in the Packers' home opener at Lambeau Field.
The initial diagnosis was a three to six-week MCL injury, but head coach Matt LaFleur had left the door open for Love to play as early as this Sunday.
"He's gotta be cleared, we gotta feel like he can protect himself, and he's gotta be confident enough to go out there and do it," LaFleur said. "Until that happens, we're not even thinking about that."
If Jordan Love can't play, the Packers will start Malik Willis on Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts. Green Bay sent a seventh-round pick to the Tennessee Titans to acquire Willis right before final roster cuts two weeks ago.
The Packers can still elevate or promote Sean Clifford from the practice squad to the active roster on Saturday to serve as depth. Clifford was the immediate backup to Love last year after being a fifth-round pick, but he ended up waived by the Packers and signed back to the practice squad when the Packers traded for Willis.
Situation
Jordan Love injured his knee in the final minute of the Packers loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Brazil last Friday. Green Bay was trying to come from behind in the final drive of the game.
After the scary moment, Matt LaFleur said he didn't know what was the situation. But after Love went through exams, it was diagnosed an MCL sprain — which is some sort of best-case scenario for knee ligament injuries. LaFleur said it's more a day-to-day injury, so even if he doesn't recover on time for Sunday, there is still hope that Love will be able to play against the Tennessee Titans next week.
"He's doing good," LaFleur said about Love on Friday. "He's got a great attitude and he is working hard, getting better every day."
Concern
Beyond Jordan Love, wide receiver Jayden Reed (shin/calf) was added to the injury report on Friday, as he was a limited participant in practice. He is also questionable to play.
Rookie running back MarShawn Lloyd, who already missed week 1's game with a hamstring injury, is questionable as well.
Cornerback Corey Ballentine (oblique), defensive tackle Kenny Clark (toe), linebacker Edgerrin Cooper (knee), running back Josh Jacobs (back), and linebacker Quay Walker (groin) are off the injury report and are expected to play on Sunday.
Other side
Indianapolis Colts safety Julian Blackmon (shoulder) was declared out and won't face the Packers on Sunday. Wide receiver Josh Downs (ankle), defensive tackle DeForest Buckner (back), and defensive end Kwity Paye (hamstring) are listed as questionable, while kicker Matt Gay (hernia) is good to go.
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