Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love is set to make his return on Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings after being sidelined for two games due to a knee injury. Love was not listed among the inactive players for the game, as he has been practicing on a limited basis for the past two weeks. The injury occurred during the season-opening game against the Philadelphia Eagles on September 6. Love was seen arriving at Lambeau Field wearing a Brett Favre No. 4 Packers jersey.
In Love’s absence, Malik Willis stepped up as the quarterback, leading the Packers to victories over the Indianapolis Colts and Tennessee Titans. Willis put up impressive numbers, completing 25 of 33 passes for 324 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions while also rushing for 114 yards and a touchdown on 12 carries. However, with Love back in action, the Packers will look to regain their momentum in the NFC North matchup.
The injury news for the Packers wasn’t all positive as two-time Pro Bowl cornerback Jaire Alexander is ruled out due to quadriceps and groin issues. Additionally, cornerback Carrington Valentine will miss his second consecutive game with an ankle problem. This leaves the Packers’ secondary vulnerable against the Vikings’ potent receiving core led by Justin Jefferson and the return of Jordan Addison after a two-game absence due to an ankle injury.
Aside from Love’s return, the Packers also have notable inactive players for the game including safety Kitan Oladapo, defensive lineman Brenton Cox Jr., offensive lineman Jordan Morgan, offensive tackle Travis Glover, and defensive lineman Colby Wooden. On the Vikings’ side, their inactive players include linebacker Ivan Pace Jr., cornerback Fabian Moreau, wide receiver Trishton Jackson, quarterback Brett Rypien, cornerback Dwight McGlothern, defensive lineman Levi Drake Rodriguez, and offensive tackle Walter Rouse.
The Packers (2-1) will look to secure a win against the undefeated Vikings (3-0) as they strive to maintain their momentum in the season. The return of Jordan Love provides a boost to Green Bay’s offense, while the absence of key defensive players poses a challenge for the team against the Vikings’ strong offensive lineup.