Jordan Love injury looms large despite Packers' gutsy road win vs. Jaguars
Phew. What a game. Brandon McManus hit a game-winning kick for the second week in a row to send the Green Bay Packers to 6-2. Matt LaFleur's team somehow found a way to win in a gutsy effort, but at what cost?
The Packers lost quarterback Jordan Love and safety Evan Williams to injuries, and it appeared Jaire Alexander and Josh Jacobs got hurt late in the game.
Malik Willis stepped up again, completing four of five passes for 56 yards and a touchdown. His only incompletion was a perfect pass to Romeo Doubs, which he dropped. Willis added 23 rushing yards, stepping up at crucial moments. Along with the defense forcing turnovers, the Packers found a way to escape with a win.
However, Love's status is the biggest story coming out of the game.
Love got hurt after an awkward landing in the first quarter. Despite staying in the game, he never looked comfortable, and eventually, it became too much. Love exited the game with a groin injury in the third quarter. LaFleur told the FOX broadcast that Love "can't really move."
The Packers fell behind 17-13 shortly after Love's exit, and things looked pretty bleak. However, the Willis-led offense only took eight plays to regain the lead. Willis rushed for 20 yards to move the chains on third down before Josh Jacobs made multiple defenders miss on an incredible 38-yard touchdown run.
Moments later, Edgerrin Cooper forced a fumble on Trevor Lawrence to give the Packers 1st-and-goal, and Willis hit Tucker Kraft for a touchdown to put the Packers up 27-17. The star players stepped up to make plays when Green Bay needed them.
Jordan Love's injury is the No. 1 concern despite Packers' victory
Willis continued his incredible run since arriving in Green Bay by leading the offense on a game-winning drive, and the team may need him again. The Packers enter the toughest stretch on their schedule, and they may miss their star quarterback.
Up next, the Packers host the red-hot Detroit Lions at Lambeau Field in their final game before hitting the bye week. Love's status is the biggest concern for Green Bay coming out of Week 8.
Willis has proved he can keep the offense moving, but the Packers need their franchise quarterback for a crucial divisional showdown next week. Once again, Love's status becomes the story for the Packers.
The Lions have arguably the best offense in football. They have won five in a row and just blew out the Tennessee Titans with a 52-14 win. The Packers will get their biggest test of the season, and they could be without their most important player.
Green Bay found a way to win on Sunday, but Love's injury overshadows the performance.