Matt LaFleur reveals details on Jordan Love skipping practice over contract

The Green Bay Packers will begin training camp without their franchise quarterback on the practice field.

Jordan Love has reported to camp, but general manager Brian Gutekunst revealed that he won't practice until he has signed a new deal. Gutekunst said they are "close" and believes the two sides will come to an agreement soon.

It's important to note that this is a "hold-in" for Love, not a "hold-out." He is with the team and participating in meetings but won't practice. Love wouldn't be in Green Bay if it were a full hold-out.

Love wants the long-term security that comes with a new deal, and practicing comes with the risk of injury.

Packers coach Matt LaFleur gives update on Jordan Love's "hold-in" over contract

Packers head coach Matt LaFleur spoke to the media before practice on Monday. He provided more details, revealing that Love will still participate in everything else.

"He'll be at practice. He was in the meetings participating. Hopefully, we'll get something done sooner rather than later," said LaFleur.

"You want everybody out there," said LaFleur. "We're confident that he'll be out there sooner than later, and I know how he prepares, so I'm not overly concerned about that. He's going to do everything he can to get the mental reps. Obviously, the physical reps are what's really important."

In the meantime, LaFleur says there will be a 50/50 split between backups Sean Clifford and Michael Pratt, with Clifford beginning as the "QB1." He said they have to "adjust on the fly" without Love practicing.

It's far from ideal, but it could be much worse. Love isn't holding out. He is in Green Bay, working with his teammates and attending practice. The only thing missing is valuable practice time to get back in rhythm with his receivers.

LaFleur is pleased with the overall mood of the locker room but says Love's hold-in must not become a distraction.

"There's a lot of energy in the building right now. Anytime you talk about the character of the football team and why that's so important, I think you can feel it from our guys," said LaFleur. "We've all got a lot to work on. If we keep the focus there and not allow that to become a distraction, I think it's imperative."

We can safely assume Love's new deal is coming very soon.

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