Jordan Love's status is the biggest storyline for the Green Bay Packers ahead of their game against the Detroit Lions.
Love suffered a strained groin in last week's win over the Jacksonville Jaguars, an injury significant enough to force him out of the game early in the third quarter. From there, it was the best-case scenario. The Packers found a way to win with Malik Willis (again), and the tests on Love's injury came back better than many expected.
Head coach Matt LaFleur refused to give details beyond the injury report. The boring game of "he looked limited" continued throughout the week—which is understandable but frustrating—leaving Love's status up in the air for Week 9. The upcoming bye week only complicated matters.
However, all signs point toward Love getting the start against the Lions this afternoon.
Jordan Love is expected to play vs. Lions in Week 9
The Packers felt confident enough in Love's health not to elevate Sean Clifford to the gameday roster, effectively guaranteeing he is good to go.
On top of that, NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reports that Love is expected to play in Week 9.
Packers QB Jordan Love is expected to start Week 9 against the Lions (via @TomPelissero) pic.twitter.com/aIQAq9WyV3
— NFL (@NFL) November 2, 2024
Why is not elevating Clifford important?
It means the Packers' only available quarterbacks for Sunday are Love and Malik Willis. If they had even the slightest degree of doubt over Love's status, they would presumably promote Clifford to provide insurance. Their decision shows they are confident Love is healthy enough to start and finish the game.
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Hopefully, he gets through OK and can then use the bye week to get fully healthy.
Love playing boosts the Packers' chances in arguably their most important game of the season. Green Bay recovered from a home divisional loss to the Minnesota Vikings and now has the opportunity to take control of the NFC North with a victory over Detroit. On top of Love's status, the weather forecast could also help the Packers.
Rain is expected to fall, and while that presumably suits the team that can run the ball better (both teams have top-six rushing offenses), the Packers are far better suited to the conditions. They played in a rainy game at Lambeau only three weeks ago, whereas the Lions have played every game indoors on turf. Jared Goff's numbers outdoors highlight the potential matchup advantage the Packers have.
Love being available makes the Packers' offense less predictable, and the Lions must respect the passing game. Hopefully, No. 10 can lead Green Bay to a crucial win.