Not only are the Green Bay Packers dealing with some injury problems at the moment, but the team's most important player in starting quarterback Jordan Love is currently working through an ailment that could threaten his ability to be 100% healthy when the regular season comes up.
Love sustained a thumb injury during Green Bay's preseason loss against the New York Jets, and the injury appears to be severe enough to warrant a larger medical operation. Luckily for fans, it appears as though the front office is of the belief that Love is going to be out there in perfect shape during Week 1.
Packers GM Brian Gutekunst said that Love will undergo surgery on his left (non-throwing) thumb. Gutekunst expects Love to return to practice next week, and all signs point to him being out there under center when the Packers open the season at home against the reigning division champion Detroit Lions.
Packers QB Jordan Love not expected to miss time after thumb procedure
Love struggled in limited preseason action against the Jets, completing just one pass and getting pressured quite often. The preseason doesn't always have to be taken seriously, but Love looked out of whack from the jump. An injury likely won't kick him into high gear anytime soon.
While backup Malik Willis put together some very impressive performances when Love was sidelined with an injury, he was beaten up by a second-string Jets defensive line that is generally regarded as below-average. Is Willis capable of replicating his strong showing in the 2024 season?
In a division as tough as the NFC North, Love playing right after a major injury, even if it is to his non-throwing hand, might be enough to cause some movement in the standings. The rest of the wannabe contenders in the North are not going to take it easy on Love, who has often struggled with starting fast before turning it on later.
Love's injury may not sound too serious, but if his performance in the first few weeks is below par, that thumb may very well be the reason he is stumbling out of the gate.