It's always concerning when your star quarterback leaves the game and is unable to return. However, the outlook is promising for the Green Bay Packers and Jordan Love.
Love exited Sunday's win over the Jacksonville Jaguars due to a groin injury. Initial reports suggested it wasn't anything serious, but Love would undergo further testing on Monday to find out the extent of the injury.
The Packers got more encouraging news.
According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Love's MRI revealed he is dealing with a strained groin and "nothing major." It leaves his status for Week 9 up in the air, but it's something the Packers will "monitor throughout the week."
Source: #Packers QB Jordan Love’s MRI came back with some good news. It’s a strained groin, nothing major.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 28, 2024
No surprise. He’ll get better every day and do treatment and monitor throughout the week.
Packers escaped major Jordan Love injury, but questions remain for Week 9
Fortunately, Love has escaped a serious injury for the second time this season. What it means for this week's game against the Detroit Lions remains uncertain. The Packers only have one game before they take their bye week, and the cautious approach would be to give him the next few weeks to recover before the game against the Chicago Bears in Week 11.
The issue is that this week's game is so important. Detroit is coming to Lambeau Field in a battle for first place in the NFC North. Losing Love would make the path to victory far rockier for the Packers, and it could leave head coach Matt LaFleur with a tough decision.
If he's out or even limited, LaFleur may need to design another run-heavy game plan that takes time off the clock, keeps Detroit's high-powered offense off the field, and sets up play-action opportunities. We can't write off Malik Willis—all he does is win—but a matchup against the Lions is far more daunting than the previous games he has played in.
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Beyond this week, the overwhelming feeling from the Love update is positive. Even if he is unable to go against the Lions, there's a good chance he will be 100 percent coming off the bye for games against the Bears and San Francisco 49ers.
LaFleur needs to weigh up the risk-reward of playing Love. If he is less than 100 percent and can risk further injury, the Packers may need to sit him for a week, regardless of the importance of this game.
It's something to watch closely in the days ahead.