Jordan Love appears to be in good condition, but that doesn’t mean the Green Bay Packers won’t face major injury challenges against the Detroit Lions.
While the Packers have not yet decided on Love’s availability, he has been moving well in practice for the second day in a row.
Love is officially listed as questionable for Sunday’s game against the Lions due to the groin injury he sustained last Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Packers head coach Matt LaFleur stated, “He’ll be limited on the report and be questionable for the game. We’ll follow our usual approach and assess him at game time.” Love, who missed the second half of the Jaguars game and Wednesday’s practice, returned on Thursday and practiced with limitations on both Thursday and Friday.
Reports indicate the Packers are hopeful Love will be able to play in the pivotal NFC North matchup.
Love has missed two games this season, both due to a knee injury sustained in Week 1 against the Philadelphia Eagles in Brazil. With backup Malik Willis, the Packers managed wins against the Colts and Titans. Willis also played in the second half against Jacksonville.
Even if Love is able to play, the Packers may still have key absences on Sunday. Cornerbacks Jaire Alexander (knee) and Corey Ballentine (ankle) are listed as questionable, as is running back Josh Jacobs (ankle), though Jacobs is optimistic about his availability. Center Josh Myers (wrist) is doubtful and is unlikely to play, while rookie safety Evan Williams has been ruled out.
The Packers’ cornerback lineup includes Alexander, Keisean Nixon, Eric Stokes, Carrington Valentine, and Ballentine. If Alexander is unable to play, the team may shift Nixon outside and place Javon Bullard in the slot.
However, with Williams ruled out due to a hamstring injury, Bullard will likely be required at safety alongside Xavier McKinney, which could push Stokes and Valentine to the outside, with Nixon in the slot. Ballentine, though questionable, has been managing his ankle injury and may still be available.
At safety, aside from McKinney and Bullard, the Packers have rookies Kitan Oladapo and Zayne Anderson, primarily special teams players. To add depth, they may promote players from the practice squad, where defensive backs Robert Rochell, Kamal Hadden, and rookie Kalen King are options at cornerback, and Omar Brown, an undrafted rookie, is available at safety.
Changes are expected along the offensive line as well. With Myers out, the Packers plan to move Elgton Jenkins from left guard to center and shift Sean Rhyan to left guard, giving rookie Jordan Morgan his first NFL start at right guard.
Off-ball linebacker Quay Walker, who missed the previous game due to a concussion, has been cleared to play and will start on Sunday, as confirmed by LaFleur.
On the Lions’ side, head coach Dan Campbell announced that two key defensive players will be out on Sunday: starting edge rusher Joshua Pascal (illness) and an off-ball linebacker (ankle).
Defensive tackle Brodric Martin has also been ruled out, while rookie defensive tackle Mekhi Wingo and backup running back Sione Vaki are listed as doubtful.
