Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love recently had successful thumb surgery and is expected to resume practice as early as next week. Despite missing the upcoming game against the Indianapolis Colts, the team remains cautiously optimistic about his recovery timeline, keeping focus on his rehabilitation.
Love suffered a ligament tear in his left thumb during his last preseason snap against the New York Jets. He attended the Packers’ joint practice with the Colts on Thursday, marked by his bucket hat and thumb cast instead of the usual helmet. Although he had been practicing earlier in the week, surgery was necessary to mend the injury.
Coach LaFleur Provides Surgery and Recovery Update
Packers head coach Matt LaFleur spoke positively about Love’s condition ahead of practice in Westfield, Indiana. He said,
The surgery went well, and he’s in great spirits,
and further added,
He’s here with us, and now it’s about putting in the work to get the thumb rehabbed.
Anticipated Timeline for Jordan Love’s Return
Both LaFleur and general manager Brian Gutekunst indicated that Love’s return to practice could happen sooner than expected. LaFleur confirmed,
We anticipate there’ll be some sort of participation next week.
Initially, the plan was for Love and other starters to practice without playing against the Colts and then prepare for the preseason finale against the Seattle Seahawks at Lambeau Field.
However, after the injury, LaFleur expressed that Love’s appearance in the Seahawks game is highly unlikely. Any practice time next week would be critical in bridging the gap before the Packers’ regular-season opener against the Detroit Lions on September 7.
Offensive Challenges Amid Key Player Absences
Love’s thumb injury compounds the pressing issues within the Packers’ offense, particularly with multiple key receivers sidelined. During Thursday’s session, Malik Willis stepped up as the leading quarterback for the limited No. 1 offense, facing the challenge of a thin receiver corps.
Wide receivers Christian Watson (knee), Jayden Reed (foot), Dontayvion Wicks (calf), Romeo Doubs (back), and Savion Williams (injury unspecified) remain inactive. This leaves rookie first-round pick Matthew Golden as the only fully healthy receiver currently available. Watson is expected to augment the group once he recovers from last year’s ACL injury.
Romeo Doubs sustained an injury during a practice collision with safety Evan Williams on Tuesday. LaFleur assessed Doubs’ condition cautiously, stating,
We’ll see how he feels. We’ll try to loosen him up.
Willis, who previously led the Packers to victories during Love’s absence last season, including a Week 2 win over the Colts, showed flashes of both skill and inconsistency during practice. LaFleur commended his progress, saying,
I think he’s done a great job,
and added,
The core fundamentals we’ve discussed, such as footwork and reading with your feet, are coming along. His accuracy has improved throughout camp, too. He’s made a lot of great throws, and we’ll continue to build on that each and every day.
Packers Injury Report and Team Depth Concerns
The Packers face a sizeable injury list as they prepare for their upcoming game and preseason games. Besides Jordan Love and the aforementioned wide receivers, other injured players include cornerback Nate Hobbs (knee), safeties Xavier McKinney (calf) and Zayne Anderson (knee), linebacker Collin Oliver (hamstring), and offensive lineman John Williams (back).
On a positive note, running back Israel Abanikanda has returned from a hamstring injury, providing much-needed depth to the backfield during a period marked by several key absences.
As the Packers continue to manage these setbacks, the team‘s ability to integrate returning players like Jordan Love will be crucial to their preparation for the regular season and overall offensive effectiveness.