Jordan Love’s availability is uncertain as the Green Bay Packers prepare to face the Detroit Lions, who currently lead the NFC North. This tilt features two of the hottest teams in the NFC vying for supremacy.
Love exited the Packers’ 30-27 win against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the third quarter due to a groin injury. According to a source familiar with the situation, it has been identified as a groin strain. The source spoke on the condition of anonymity, as the Packers have not disclosed specific information regarding Love’s injury. NFL Network was the first to report the outcome of Love’s MRI.
Packers head coach Matt LaFleur mentioned, “If he can go, he’ll go. We’ll see how he feels by the end of the week. However, if we determine he can’t adequately protect himself, we certainly wouldn’t put him in that position.” LaFleur noted that Love sustained the injury during the game’s first drive and continued playing until he fell on the sideline after completing a pass to Josh Jacobs. “It was a tough, gritty performance,” LaFleur remarked.
Should Love be unable to participate on Sunday, the Packers will still have confidence in backup quarterback Malik Willis. Willis has started two games this season and has led Green Bay to victories over the Indianapolis Colts and Tennessee Titans while Love was sidelined with a knee injury. He proved his worth again on Sunday when he orchestrated a drive that culminated in a game-winning field goal by Brandon McManus.
When the Packers got the ball back on their own 30, Willis connected with Jayden Reed for a 51-yard gain that put the team in field-goal territory. Initially, Willis didn’t appear to be a strong fit for the Packers as they traded a seventh-round pick to acquire him from the Tennessee Titans before the season began. The 2022 third-round pick struggled in his previous games with the Titans, failing to throw for over 100 yards in any of his three starts.
However, since joining the Packers, Willis has completed an impressive 74.4% of his passes for 380 yards, recording three touchdowns without throwing any interceptions. He has also run for 137 yards and scored a touchdown. LaFleur expressed admiration for Willis’s ability to handle mid-game pressure, noting that he appears calm and composed even in critical moments. “There were some pivotal plays he made, and I think the team’s belief in him as a leader is evident when you watch us play,” LaFleur commented.
Currently, the Packers have been effective rushing the ball, managing at least 163 yards in five of their eight games, including 170 yards on 39 carries against Jacksonville. Additionally, they lead the NFL with 19 takeaways and forced two more turnovers in that game, resulting in short touchdown drives.
On the other hand, the team did allow a 10-point lead to slip away in the final six minutes, with the Jaguars tying the game after an 87-yard drive capped by a touchdown pass from Trevor Lawrence. This marked the second consecutive game where Green Bay let a lead diminish in the closing minutes, although the Packers have been able to clinch victories with last-second field goals.
Highlights from the performance included Jacobs, who ran for 127 yards and scored two touchdowns. Safety Xavier McKinney also shone with his NFL-leading sixth interception. Tight end Tucker Kraft had three receptions for a personal-best 78 yards, including a long 67-yard catch, and found the end zone on a 3-yard reception. Defensive linebacker Edgerrin Cooper had a standout game as well, recording eight tackles, forcing a fumble, and achieving a sack. McManus also continued his knack for clutch kicking, winning two consecutive games with field goals as time expired.
In terms of weaknesses, wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks had a subdued performance, catching only two passes for 11 yards, maintaining a mixed bag of performances throughout the season. Although Wicks has four touchdowns, he has often failed to surpass 11 receiving yards in several games.
Injuries add to the team’s concerns, with Love’s situation being critical currently. Safety Evan Williams left the game with a hamstring issue, and cornerback Jaire Alexander was seen in discomfort during a pivotal moment late in the match. Coach LaFleur did not provide updates on either player following the game.
A notable statistic involves McKinney, who became the fifth player since 2000 to achieve an interception in six of his team’s first eight games, a testament to his strong performance depth.
Looking ahead, the upcoming matchup between the Packers and Lions promises to be intense as both teams enter the game riding winning streaks. Green Bay holds a record of 6-2, while Detroit is not far behind at 6-1, creating a highly anticipated clash at Lambeau Field.