Packers' Jordan Love Expected To Play Through Significant Injury

Green Bay Packers star quarterback Jordan Love will almost certainly start against the Detroit Lions for Week 9, despite currently being listed as "questionable" on the team's injury report after a groin injury.

NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero first reported Saturday that Love would play against the Lions in Week 9, per sources. In a 30-27 victory against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 8, Love left the game due to a groin injury.

He returned to practice on Thursday and Friday, albeit in a limited capacity. On Wednesday, he mentioned it was "realistic" that he could play, saying "Definitely it's not the ideal scenario for going into a big week. [I'm trying to] get back as fast as possible, even with the bye being next week."

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler also predicated, "He's got the groin issue he's been dealing with all week. It's a minor injury, it's considered. Now, the Packers are probably going to take this up closer to game time, see how he feels, with a huge game at the Lions. He wants to play. This is tracking to a sense where he's going to try, and there's some optimism, because he went through two limited practices this week, one in the rain, and there were no major hurdles here. So, it's just about managing the situation.

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Love was also injured in Week 1, when an MCL sprain caused him to miss two games, despite initial concerns that he could be out for a significant part of the 2024 season. Backup Malik Willis stepped in for Love, going 2-0 in September, and he played a key role in helping the Packers secure the victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars after Love exited the game in the third quarter.

So far, Love has showcased his impressive arm strength but has been inconsistent in his performance. In six starts, he has thrown for 15 touchdowns and a league-high nine interceptions, averaging 257.8 yards per game. Starting for the first time last season against Detroit, Love recorded a 1-1 record against the Lions.

In a Week 4 loss, he was sacked five times and threw one touchdown along with two interceptions. However, during the Packers' surprising playoff run, he delivered an outstanding performance, completing 22 of 32 passes for 268 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions.

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Love was selected by the Packers in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft. Initially serving as a backup to Aaron Rodgers, he took over as the starting quarterback in 2023. He notably threw for 15 touchdowns in his first season as a starter, showcasing his potential as a playmaker.

After guiding the Packers to a playoff victory in his first season as the starting quarterback, Love signed a four-year contract extension valued at $220 million just before the beginning of the 2024 NFL season. Hopefully for the Packers and their budget, he will not keep getting injured this season.

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