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Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love has a “real shot” to play on Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings after suffering a sprained MCL in the team’s Week 1 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
While Love was trying to lead what would have been a go-ahead touchdown drive late in Green Bay’s season opener, he took a hit and got twisted around awkwardly. He was in obvious pain and had to be helped off the field.
Backup Malik Willis finished out the game and then got the start in Week 2 for the Packers’ home opener against the Indianapolis Colts.
Although Willis only threw the ball 14 times, Green Bay pulled out a 16-10 win thanks to a strong defensive effort and 151 rushing yards from running back Josh Jacobs.
In the week that followed, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that while Love was initially expected to miss three to four weeks with the knee injury, there was optimism he would be able to play in Week 3.
A source told Schefter they “wouldn’t be surprised” if Love played, but called the chances of it happening “50-50 at best.”
Love surprised many by returning to practice as a limited participant, which suggested the injury may not have been as bad as initially feared.
His presence on the practice field was undoubtedly an encouraging sign for Packers fans since Love began establishing himself as one of the NFL’s next star quarterbacks in 2023.
However, the Packers started Willis for a 30-14 win over the Tennessee Titans in Week 3. Willis threw for 202 yards and one touchdown, in addition to rushing for 73 yards and a score on six carries.
While Green Bay has found success with Willis, Love’s return is vital to the team’s success moving forward.
In his first season as the starter after the departure of future Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers, Love threw for 4,159 yards, 32 touchdowns and 11 interceptions, and led the Packers to a 9-8 record, which was good enough to sneak into the playoffs.
Once in the postseason, Love helped Green Bay pull off the biggest upset of the entire playoffs by beating the second-seeded Dallas Cowboys on the road in the NFC Wild Card Round.
As a result, there was a ton of hope and optimism in Green Bay regarding Love continuing to develop and taking the Packers to the next level. If he’s able to return against the Vikings, Packers fans will be hoping he can continue that run of success.
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