The Green Bay Packers are crashing into uncharted territory.
With news that Jordan Love requires thumb surgery that will sideline him temporarily but won't impact his status for Week 1, Packers coach Matt LaFleur is in a challenging and unfamiliar position.
"I've never personally dealt with a situation like this, so there's going to be some learning curve along the way to how do we adapt, and how do we adjust," LaFleur said, while noting Love is expected to make a quick recovery.
Packers' Week 1 preparations thrown into chaos after Jordan Love's injury
NFL coaches like routine and a schedule they can control. Love's injury will cause LaFleur to frantically rewrite his practice plans between now and Week 1, and he will need to adjust on the fly.
As LaFleur said, he's never "dealt with a situation like this."
Love's surgery falls just 26 days before the Packers open the season against the Detroit Lions at Lambeau Field. LaFleur said Love will make a "relatively quick recovery" and shouldn't spend too long on the sidelines. That's the positive part.
However, Love won't practice this week. While he doesn't face a lengthy absence, it's unclear when he will resume full participation. Next week? After the preseason? Time is ticking before Week 1.
It gives the Lions the upper hand. Love is missing valuable snaps, which is even more concerning after the first-team offense looked out of sync in their preseason opener. Love's 11-snap performance against the New York Jets will cost him countless more important reps on the practice field.
If there's a silver lining, it's that the Packers have clarity about Love's status for Week 1. There's no concern that he will miss the game.
Love played through the pain during Monday's practice, and while the injury impacted his handoffs, he still shredded the Packers' defense. Clearly, the best option is to take care of the issue now and avoid letting it linger into the regular season, but it comes at a possible Week 1 cost.
The Packers have lost their past three Lambeau games against the Lions. It won't get any easier when Dan Campbell's team arrives on September 7.
Love avoiding a significant injury is, of course, positive news. Still, the Packers face an awkward three weeks while they try to navigate through his recovery and ensure they're ready for a daunting Week 1 challenge.