Packers QB Jordan Love has an MCL injury and should return this season, an AP source says

Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love suffered a medial collateral ligament injury in the season’s opening game, but his anterior cruciate ligament was undamaged and he should be ready to play later in the season, a person familiar with the situation told the Associated Press.

The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the team has not disclosed the severity of Love’s injury. A timetable for Love’s return was not given.

ESPN and NFL Network first reported the update on Love, who injured his knee on Friday night during the third-to-last play of the Packers’ 34-29 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Brazil. ESPN reported Love could be out three to four weeks, while NFL Network estimated three to six weeks.

The injury occurred as Love was attempting to lead the Packers to a game-winning touchdown in the final seconds. He had just thrown a 33-yard pass to Jayden Reed that brought them near the halfway line. On the next play, Love was heavily pressured by Jalen Carter and Josh Sweat as he threw a reverse pass to Josh Jacobs.

Carter was on the ground holding Love’s left leg as Sweat tackled the quarterback to the ground. Love remained on the ground for a few seconds, then slowly got up and hobbled to the sideline with help.

Malik Willis, signed from the Tennessee Titans, replaced Love for the final two plays of the game. Willis was sacked as time expired before he could attempt a Hail Mary pass.

Love, 25, was playing in his first regular-season game since signing a four-year, $220 million contract extension over the summer. The Packers entered the season with Super Bowl aspirations, largely because of Love, who led the NFL’s youngest team to a surprise playoff berth last season as a starter in his first year.

The Packers believe Love is on track to continue the franchise’s three-decade streak of outstanding quarterback performances, a tradition that began in the 1990s with Hall of Famer Brett Favre and continued with four-time MVP Aaron Rodgers. The Packers traded Rodgers in the spring of 2023 to make room for Love, who completed 64.2% of his passes for 4,159 yards with 32 touchdowns and 11 interceptions last season.

The only other quarterbacks to throw for at least 4,000 yards and 32 touchdowns in their first season with multiple starts were Kurt Warner in 1999 and Patrick Mahomes in 2018. The only quarterbacks to throw more than 32 touchdown passes in their first season with multiple starts were Mahomes (50), Warner (41) and Daunte Culpepper (33 in 2000).

Now the Packers must try to win without Love as their franchise quarterback begins his recovery.

Willis, a 2022 third-round pick from Liberty, is the only other quarterback on the Packers’ 53-man roster. He started three times in his rookie year and did not throw for over 100 yards in any of them.

The Packers acquired Willis from the Tennessee Titans for a 2025 seventh-round draft pick in a trade that was completed less than two weeks ago. Green Bay also has 2023 fifth-round draft pick Sean Clifford on its practice squad.

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AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl