Packers: Jordan Love needs game time this season

At some point this season, the Green Bay Packers need to take a look at the long-term picture.

While the Packers can mathematically make the playoffs, it’s understandable to start Aaron Rodgers at quarterback. No matter how unlikely it may be, the Packers are still in the mix.

However, that may not be the case for much longer.

Soon, it will be time to give Jordan Love an opportunity. And for a good reason.

Rodgers’ future beyond this season is uncertain. He could decide to retire. In that scenario, the Packers need to know whether Love is ready to start, or whether it would make sense to draft another quarterback.

Getting a few starts before the end of the season would help in the decision-making process.

Even if Rodgers returns in 2023, it’s still important to give Love an opportunity.

The Packers need to decide whether to exercise Love’s fifth-year option this coming offseason. It would guarantee his salary for the 2024 season. If they decline the option, Love would become a free agent after next season.

Of course, had Green Bay met expectations this year and looked on course for a playoff run, it would be a different scenario.

But that’s not the case. It’s a question of when, not if, the Packers’ playoff chances end.

Lose this week against the Philadelphia Eagles, and it’s likely game over, even if they aren’t mathematically eliminated.

Whether Green Bay would actually bench Rodgers for Love is another question. Perhaps placing Rodgers on injured reserve would be a way around it, rather than simply benching him.

But with the championship window slamming shut, the Packers need to look at the bigger picture.

That starts with figuring out their QB1 beyond Aaron Rodgers. Jordan Love is the likely successor, but he needs a chance to prove himself with a run of starts before the end of the season.