Jordan Love is still working through the concussion protocol but is making progress.
Head coach Matt LaFleur confirmed that Love will be a limited participant during Tuesday's walkthrough practice, which is an encouraging step only three days after suffering a concussion in the Green Bay Packers' loss to the Chicago Bears.
LaFleur did warn that it doesn't mean Love is guaranteed to return this week, though. The same goes for backup Malik Willis, who is also limited while dealing with a shoulder injury.
"We've got to see how they progress through the course of the week, so by no means are they in the clear," LaFleur said.
Jordan Love still a doubt for Week 17, but he is making good progress through the concussion protocol
It's one step, but an important one. The outlook would look far more concerning if Love weren't yet ready to take part in practice. It's an early sign that he is progressing in the protocol. LaFleur also confirmed that Love had attended team meetings.
He is right. Nothing is guaranteed. Players must complete each step of a strict process before being cleared to return.
Love will likely need to log at least one full practice at some point this week. The Packers have two more days before they need to release their final injury report ahead of Saturday's game, so there's plenty of time.
It's also encouraging that Willis is able to practice, albeit in a limited fashion. He played admirably after Love exited the game but took a hard hit to his throwing shoulder late in the fourth quarter. Willis stayed in the game and completed a couple of passes, showing no immediate effects of the injury, but LaFleur confirmed this week that the Packers' backup QB was "pretty sore" and that his injury was a "legitimate deal."
ESPN's Adam Schefter believes at least one of Love or Willis will be good to go this week, and the Packers' decision not to add another quarterback highlights their confidence. For now, practice-squad passer Clayton Tune is the only healthy quarterback.
It's early, and LaFleur was clear that both Love and Willis must continue to progress and are "by no means in the clear." This is true. But the fact that both practiced is an encouraging sign four days before the game.