The Green Bay Packers earned their first win of the 2024 NFL season in Week 2 despite being without quarterback Jordan Love.
Malik Willis started against the Indianapolis Colts in place of Love, who was dealing with an MCL sprain he suffered in Green Bay's season-opening loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. The injury occurred late in the game when Love was tackled by two Eagles players and had his knee bend awkwardly as he threw the ball away. He limped off the field after the injury and did not return.
Love's injury was expected to be a multi-week problem, but the Packers opted not to put him on IR to offer them flexibility. That decision may pay off, as it appears that Love may have a chance to play in Week 3
Here's what to know about Love's injury and status for Green Bay's clash with the Tennessee Titans.
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Love returned to Packers practice on Wednesday less than two weeks after he suffered the knee injury against the Eagles. Green Bay slapped him with a "limited" designation, but his return to the field marked a significant step forward in his recovery.
Love didn't practice at all for the Packers ahead of their Week 2 matchup against the Colts. He earned a "DNP" designation each day before being ruled "doubtful" for the contest on Friday, per Green Bay's injury report.
Love was spotted at practice wearing a red non-contact jersey and a protective sleeve on his injured left leg. He participated in stretching and drills during the portion of practice open to media.
While Love hitting the practice field is a good sign for his progress, his Week 3 availability remains murky. His status will be further clarified by the Packers' Thursday and Friday practice reports.
On Wednesday, Love admitted he is hoping to play but is going to evaluate his options as the week progresses.
"I’m going to take the week and just take it day by day and see how it feels," he said, per Ryan Wood. "I’m not going to make any decisions right now. I’m hopeful that I can get to that point where I can get in there, but we’re just going to take it day by day."
More light will be shed on Love's status as he and the Packers assess how his injured knee responds to his workouts.
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There is no definitive timetable for Love's return to action. However, the Packers opted not to place him on IR, so that indicates Green Bay's medical staff believes there is a chance that Love can return to action without missing four games, which would have put him on track to return in Week 6 against the Arizona Cardinals.
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport originally reported that Love was targeting a Week 5 return. It's possible that timeline has accelerated given Love's return to practice.
It's also possible that the Packers will exercise caution and avoid rushing Love back into action. He is the team's $220 million franchise quarterback, after all.
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