The Green Bay Packers won’t place quarterback Jordan Love on injured reserve or seek out another quarterback while Love recovers from an injury to his knee, coach Matt LaFleur said on Monday.
Injured reserve requires missing at least four games, so the Packers clearly believe Love can return within the four-week window. Love injured the MCL in his left knee during the Packers’ Week 1 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.
LaFleur didn’t technically rule out Love from playing Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts, but he said Malik Willis — the No. 2 quarterback on the 53-man roster — would start if Love isn’t cleared by Sunday. Sean Clifford, who is on the practice squad, would be the backup.
LaFleur emphatically denied the Packers seeking out another quarterback to add while Love recovers. He also said the team would exercise caution and won’t risk Love returning too soon.
Until Love is ready, the keys are going to Willis, a third-round pick in the 2022 draft who has made three career NFL starts.
The Packers acquired Willis via trade with the Tennessee Titans on Aug. 27. He made enough progress learning the system that LaFleur and the Packers felt comfortable with him as the backup behind Love for the season opener.
With a full week of practice ahead, LaFleur said he has “confidence” in Willis’ ability to digest the game plan and play at a “high level” against the Colts.