Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love is fighting through lingering elbow soreness as he tries to lead his team to an against-the-odds upset win over the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Wild Card game this Sunday. Love, who was limited in Wednesday’s practice after banging his throwing elbow last week, said he’s still feeling the effects but working hard to get back to full strength for the big matchup.
“Yeah, it’s more my elbow,” Love admitted when asked about his injury status. “Recovering [from] that.” The young signal-caller had to leave the Week 17 finale against Chicago early after his right elbow collided with a defender’s helmet. While the concerning numbness in his hand dissipated by the next morning, Love revealed the joint itself is still giving him some trouble.
Love Puts in Work Despite Limitations
Despite not being at 100%, the 24-year-old is pushing himself in hopes of being ready to go against Philadelphia’s stout defense. “Pretty much by the next day, I was pretty much feeling back to normal,” Love said of the tingling in his fingers. But he acknowledged the elbow issue is still a factor, even while downplaying its severity.
Packers head coach Matt LaFleur told reporters that Love threw on a “limited basis” in Wednesday’s practice. But both he and his young QB know every rep is crucial with their season on the line this weekend. Love said he did not wear any protective covering on the elbow but would consider doing so come game time if needed.
Backup Willis Also Dinged Up
Complicating matters is the fact that Green Bay’s backup quarterback, Malik Willis, is also dealing with a throwing hand injury suffered against the Bears. While x-rays came back negative, the rookie admitted his grip still doesn’t feel normal. “I mean, it doesn’t feel normal, no,” Willis said. “I just did whatever they allowed me to do out there today, and we’ll see how it goes the rest of the week.”
Next Men Up at Receiver
As if the quarterback concerns weren’t enough, the Packers are also dealing with the loss of standout receiver Christian Watson to a torn ACL. The rookie averaged a team-best 21.4 yards per catch before going down in the first half against Chicago. In his absence, Green Bay will lean more on the likes of Romeo Doubs, Jayden Reed, and Bo Melton to stretch the field.
“Everybody in our room got specific things they do well,” said Melton, who may become the de facto deep threat. “For myself, I can run, too. Christian is 6-4 and can run. Replacing him is obviously not going to be too [easy]. But our team of receivers, we all make plays.”
Bo Melton
- Walker, Williams may return: The Packers defense could get a boost with LB Quay Walker (ankle) and S Evan Williams (hamstring) returning to practice. Both have missed the last 3 games.
- Tough test for Love: In his playoff debut as a starter, Love will face an Eagles defense that led the NFL in sacks (70) and interceptions (27) while allowing the 2nd-fewest passing yards.
Sunday will be a huge test for Love as he tries to prove he’s the franchise quarterback of the future in Green Bay. His toughness in playing through pain is admirable, but the 3rd year pro will need more than guts to topple the powerhouse Eagles on the road. With a limited arsenal and his own elbow not 100%, Love faces a monumental challenge. But if the Packers have shown anything this season, it’s that they thrive on being counted out.
