The Packers received good news when they learned QB Jordan Love was only poised to miss 3-6 weeks with a knee injury after he went down in Brazil, but that still Green Bay potentially in a world of trouble.
Already 0-1, the Packers' outlook appeared bleak with Malik Willis under center in Week 2 against the Colts. Willis put all concerns to rest when he and Green Bay's rushing attack got the job at home against Indianapolis and staved off a 0-2 start.
The news might be about to get even better for the Packers. Love appears to be progressing quicker than expected in his recovery, surprisingly putting a Week 3 return at least on the table.
Here's a look at Love's chances of playing in Week 3 and what the latest developments mean for his fantasy outlook.
MORE: Week 3 Power Rankings | Week 3 NFL picks | Week 3 NFL picks against the spread
Is Jordan Love playing Week 3? Injury update, latest news on Packers QB
There's a chance Love could play on Sunday afternoon, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter, having unexpectedly returned to practice on Wednesday, four days before a road matchup against the Titans.
He is officially listed as questionable for the game.
Packers HC Matt LaFleur told reporters that Jordan Love will be listed as questionable for Sunday’s game at Tennessee due to his knee injury.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 20, 2024
The Packers QB participated in "all the early drills" with a sleeve on his leg, according to ESPN's Rob Demovsky. It's not a padded practice, but video shows Love moving around normally and going through the same drills as Willis.
QB Jordan Love was back at Wednesday’s non-padded practice. #Packers pic.twitter.com/qlvlymvUqF
— Wes Hodkiewicz (@WesHod) September 18, 2024
Packers coach Matt LaFleur had said earlier in the week that he wanted to see Love on the practice field before he returned to game action, so Wednesday's participation at least opens the door for a Week 3 return.
Love himself confirmed he's hopeful to play against Tennessee, but nothing has been decided yet.
Jordan Love just spoke with reporters and said he’s giving himself the week but hopeful to play Sunday against the Titans.
— Matt Schneidman (@mattschneidman) September 18, 2024
Love was initially believed to be out 3-6 weeks with a sprained MCL, but the Packers continued to call him week-to-week and never placed him on IR.
There is no indication of whether Love is likely to suit up in Week 3, but he cleared one hurdle by returning to practice and is at least in the mix to start. The Packers will be on the road in Week 3, so one more hurdle would be Love making the trip with the team if his status isn't determined by Saturday.
Should you start Jordan Love in Week 3? Fantasy outlook vs. Titans
Love's return to practice was a surprise, but the Packers never ruled their quarterback out for Week 3. That means there seems to be a legitimate chance he returns in Tennessee.
It would be risky to bank on Love starting at this point, but if his status is positive by Sunday, there would be some reason to consider starting him. He racked up 260 yards and two touchdowns on 17 completions in Week 1, which isn't insignificant with passing totals down around the league.
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Love also didn't appear to have a limp of any kind at practice on Wednesday, though it wouldn't be surprising to see LaFleur still lean on the running game regardless after how well the backfield performed against the Colts. The Titans' revamped pass defense was excellent against Caleb Williams and the Bears in Week 1 and held its own against Aaron Rodgers in Week 2, though the unit hasn't come up with any interceptions through two games.
Love's return would be an unquestioned upgrade for Packers receivers. Green Bay likely won't be willing to let Willis beat the Titans with his arm, but the passing game should be much more active with Love under center. That would be good news for Jayden Reed fantasy owners, as the second-year receiver erupted for 138 yards through the air in Week 1 but was targeted by Willis only twice in Week 2.
Packers QB depth chart
- Jordan Love
- Malik Willis
- Sean Clifford
The Packers entered training camp with Sean Clifford and rookie Michael Pratt as the No. 2 and No. 3 quarterbacks, respectively, despite neither having thrown a regular season pass.
Neither impressed in the preseason, forcing Green Bay to look elsewhere and trade for Willis after two seasons with the Titans. While Willis' track record didn't inspire much confidence heading into Week 2, the decision to trade for him might have been the difference between a 1-1 start and an 0-2 start.
The former Liberty QB did exactly what was asked of him against the Colts, taking care of the ball and tossing his first career touchdown pass. That allowed the running game to take control in the second half, and the Packers escaped with a win in their first game without Love.
Now, the burning question is whether that will go down as Green Bay's only game with Love.
