Packers' Jordan Love Bold Shot to play vs. Lions

There was little from the Green Bay Packers’ practice on Wednesday to suggest Jordan Love might play in Sunday’s NFC North clash against the Detroit Lions.

Other than spending time on an exercise bike during the stretching period, Love did not participate in practice due to the groin injury he suffered in Sunday’s win over the Jacksonville Jaguars.

“Yeah, obviously not practicing during the week is not the ideal format for trying to play a game,” Love said. “Like I said, things happen, and if that’s the scenario, I know I’ll be fine. But definitely it’s not the ideal scenario for going into a big week.”

Packers coach Matt LaFleur offered only that they would “take it one day at a time and see where he’s at by the end of the week,” adding that Love could “potentially” play without practicing.

“He’s moving around better,” LaFleur said. “We’ll see. Again, we’ll take it one day at a time. Certainly, yeah, we’ll push the envelope with that. I know he wants to play, but we’ll see where he’s at by the end of the week.”

LaFleur would need to feel confident that Love could protect himself

“I think just being able to play, move around in the pocket, and not trying to hurt myself further by playing … I think that’s what he means by that,” Love said. “But for me, just being able to move around a little bit and just be myself out there playing—not just trying to be stuck in the pocket, not being able to move if I need to move.”

Love injured his groin on the opening series against Jacksonville but finished the first half. Early in the third quarter, however, he limped to the sideline and ceded the game to Malik Willis.

Though uncertain, Love did not rule out the possibility that this injury was connected to the left knee sprain he sustained in the season opener, which sidelined him for two games.

Despite the Packers’ bye week following the Lions game, it may not influence the decision to play Love.

“I would definitely try and get back as fast as possible even with the bye being next week,” Love said.

Willis, who led the Packers to wins in Weeks 2 and 3 during Love’s absence, orchestrated a game-winning field goal drive to defeat Jacksonville and would start again if Love is unavailable.

Meanwhile, the Packers are dealing with multiple injuries on offense. Three of the five starting offensive linemen—left tackle Rasheed Walker (knee), left guard Elgton Jenkins (glute), and center Josh Myers (wrist)—missed Wednesday’s practice. Running back Josh Jacobs, who injured his ankle late against Jacksonville, also sat out.

“I’ll be good come game time,” Jacobs assured.