Jordan Love takes unexpected step toward Week 3 return after latest practice update

We might not get the Malik Willis revenge game against the Tennessee Titans, after all.

Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur said Jordan Love would ideally need to practice this week to increase his chances of returning in Week 3.

Green Bay, we have liftoff!

ESPN's Rob Demovsky reported that Love is back at practice on Wednesday, which is a surprising and potentially significant update ahead of this week's game against the Titans.

Jordan Love increases chances of playing in Week 3 with return to Packers practice

Malik Willis admirably stepped in for Love in the Week 2 victory over the Indianapolis Colts, throwing one touchdown pass to Dontayvion Wicks. He only had two incompletions, playing mistake-free football. Matt LaFleur went deep into his bag with creative run-blocking calls, but it was only a short-term fix.

The Packers need Love back as soon as possible, and his return to practice is great news.

More Packers

Sunday's game will be 16 days removed from Love suffering a sprained MCL. Initial reports indicated he would miss three to six weeks, although there was optimism he could return on the sooner end. A return in Week 3 would surprisingly beat those estimations.

It's unlikely that Love is at 100 percent, so the Packers would likely need to adopt a similar run-heavy script to last week, placing as little pressure on their star quarterback as possible. But when they need a play in the passing game, Love's return would allow LaFleur to open up the playbook a little more.

Even if Love doesn't return from injury this week, this practice update is great news for his overall progress in his recovery. It backs up reports that he could return sooner rather than later. With the Minnesota Vikings visiting Lambeau Field in Week 4, Love's potential return couldn't come at a better time.

The Packers won't put their quarterback at risk. If he can't protect himself or move comfortably or is at risk of worsening the injury, he won't play. Green Bay has one of the most conservative medical teams in the league.

But Love's return to practice is a great sign. It shows he is making good progress. The Packers believed he had a chance to play in Week 2, and this update pushes the door wide open for a return this Sunday against the Titans.

More Packers news and analysis