Going into the Green Bay Packers' final game of the regular season, there was really only one goal: stay healthy. Winning would be nice – especially against the Bears – but ultimately, there are bigger fish to fry in the coming weeks.
So, naturally, the Packers lost two of their best offensive players before halftime. Shortly after wide receiver Christian Watson went down with a non-contact knee injury, quarterback Jordan Love left the game with an arm injury.
RELATED: Latest Christian Watson injury update after leaving early vs. Bears
Midway through the second quarter, Packers trainers came out to check on Love, who looked like he was struggling with something near his hand. After a short conversation on the field, Love jogged off to the sidelines to continue getting treatment, and TV cameras caught him working on his grip and throwing some light passes.
Malik Willis entered the game, and the team wasted little time giving an injury update.
Jordan Love injury updates after exiting Packers' loss to Bears in Week 18
Matt LaFleur says Jordan Love could've returned
Matt LaFleur provided some reassuring news after the game, noting that Love was fine and could've returned to the game if needed. He has no worries about Love's status for the playoff opener against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Matt LaFleur says there's no doubt Jordan Love will play next week at Philadelphia: "He's good to go."
— Ryan Wood (@ByRyanWood) January 5, 2025
Packers say Jordan Love is questionable to return in Week 18 game vs. Bears
Injury updates: WR Christian Watson is questionable to return with a knee injury. QB Jordan Love is questionable to return with a right elbow injury.#CHIvsGB
— Green Bay Packers (@packers) January 5, 2025
Of the two, the Watson injury feels more concerning. Bears rivalry aside, it's not like there's any real importance to winning this game – and it's certainly not worth risking the long-term health of the starting quarterback. Losing Watson – who was already dealing with a knee injury heading into Sunday's game – is one thing, but losing Love would more-or-less mean the end of the Packers' season.
It feels like this is the Packers being precautionary, especially knowing that they've won games this season with Willis under center. That's the best-case scenario, at least. I'm sure Green Bay media won't waste too much time asking about it in LaFleur's post-game press conference, just like I'm sure LaFleur won't waste too much time giving a vague, kinda confusing answer.