Packers QB Jordan Love Discusses Injury and Potential to Play Against Lions Get Packers alerts
Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love.
Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love remains open to the possibility of playing in the Week 9 matchup against the Detroit Lions.
Love exited last week’s victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars due to a groin injury that progressively worsened, ultimately forcing him out of the game. Speaking with the media on Wednesday, October 30, for the first time since the injury, Love offered a cautiously optimistic update on his chances to face Detroit at Lambeau Field this Sunday.
It wasn’t ideal, obviously, but it happened, so I did my best to stay in the game,” Love said, adding that he felt alright in moments of restricted movement. “I’m taking it day by day, focusing on rehab… and aiming to return as quickly as possible.”
When asked if he was eager to play and if a return was realistic, Love responded confidently.
I definitely want to play,” Love stated. “I think it’s realistic.”
A win over Detroit would position the Packers in a tie with the Lions at the top of the NFC North at 6-2. The Minnesota Vikings could also reach 6-2 with a victory over the Indianapolis Colts, potentially creating a three-way tie, as Minnesota has already beaten Green Bay and lost to Detroit this season.
Packers Coach Matt LaFleur Cautious About Love’s Availability Against Lion
Packers head coach Matt LaFleur expressed initial concern after the team’s close win over Jacksonville on Sunday, sounding less than optimistic about Love’s injury.
There’s definitely a high level of concern,” LaFleur said, per ESPN’s Rob Demovsky. “Everyone could see him struggling to move, and it reached a point where he just felt he couldn’t protect himself.”
However, LaFleur’s tone shifted in Wednesday’s briefing, though he remained noncommittal on Love’s status for the game.
He’s moving better,” LaFleur noted. “We’ll push as far as we can with it. He wants to play, but we’ll monitor him through the end of the week.”
Green Bay’s Backup Malik Willis Prepares if Jordan Love Sits Out Against Detroit
Green Bay Packers quarterback Malik Willis.
If Love is unable to play, the Packers will turn to backup quarterback Malik Willis.
Willis has been effective for Green Bay, leading the team to a 2-0 record in Weeks 2 and 3 after Love’s knee injury in the season opener against Philadelphia. Willis also stepped in late against Jacksonville, contributing to another Packers win that goes toward Love’s record.
However, the Lions will pose a new challenge for Willis, putting Green Bay’s backup QB depth to the test as Love recovers from his second significant injury this season.
Max Dible reports on the NFL, NBA, and MLB for Heavy.com, with a focus on the Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, Chicago Bears, and Cleveland Browns. He previously covered local news for West Hawaii Today and served as news director for BigIslandNow.com and Pacific Media Group’s Big Island radio stations before joining Heavy.