Jordan Love was among several Green Bay Packers starters who didn't practice on Wednesday, adding more doubt to their status ahead of a huge clash against the Detroit Lions in Week 9.
Head coach Matt LaFleur said that Love is pushing to play this week and could "potentially" be out there even if he doesn't practice.
"He's moving around better," said LaFleur. "We'll take it one day at a time. Certainly, we'll push the envelope with that. He wants to play, but we'll see where he's at by the end of the week."
We won't get any clearer answers until later in the week, but for what it's worth, ESPN's Adam Schefter predicted that Love will play. He didn't report anything but believes Love has a good chance to suit up.
However, Love likely won't be 100 percent if he plays, and the Packers have even more concerns across the roster. Here is the first injury report for Week 9:
Player | Position | Injury | Wednesday |
|---|---|---|---|
Jaire Alexander | CB | Knee | DNP |
Corey Ballentine | CB | Ankle | LP |
Kenny Clark | DL | Toe/Shoulder | LP |
Josh Jacobs | RB | Ankle | DNP |
Elgton Jenkins | G/T | Glute | DNP |
Jordan Love | QB | Groin | DNP |
Josh Myers | C | Wrist | DNP |
Quay Walker | LB | Concussion | FP |
Rasheed Walker | T | Knee | DNP |
Evan Williams | S | Hamstring | DNP |
Devonte Wyatt | DL | Ankle | LP |
Note: DNP = Did Not Participate; LP = Limited Participation
Multiple key starters were missing from Packers' practice on Wednesday
Cornerback Jaire Alexander and safety Evan Williams escaped significant injuries but didn't practice on Wednesday. They shouldn't miss much time, but their status for Sunday is up in the air. Losing either would have a significant impact on the Packers' chances of slowing down the league's highest-scoring offense. Green Bay could be without both of them.
Running back Josh Jacobs hurt his ankle late in the fourth quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars, although reports suggest he is fine.
There's less certainty along the offensive line. Elgton Jenkins and Josh Myers played through injuries in Week 8, so we can assume they will attempt to do the same thing, barring any setbacks. Left tackle Rasheed Walker is a new addition to the injury report due to a knee injury.
The Packers did get good news on Quay Walker. According to LaFleur, the former first-round pick has cleared the concussion protocol and is good to go against the Lions. Eric Wilson played admirably during Walker's absence, while rookie Edgerrin Cooper won the NFC Defensive Player of the Week award for his performance against the Jaguars. It will be interesting to see how Jeff Hafley distributes the snaps.
It's early in the week, but the Packers' injury issues are a concern entering a huge battle for first place in the NFC North. Hopefully, they get good news as the week progresses.