Jordan Love Undergoes Surgery, But Expected to Be Ready for Season Start
Green Bay Packers star quarterback Jordan Love underwent surgery on Tuesday to repair a ligament injury in his left thumb. Despite this, the team expects Love to be fully recovered for the season opener. Love, who had been playing with his left thumb taped during Monday’s practice, tried to play through the injury before deciding to undergo the procedure.Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst reported on Tuesday that Love could return to training next week. Gutekunst added that the surgery was the best option to ensure a prompt recovery and the player’s well-being. The injury occurred during the first preseason game against the New York Jets. Love suffered the injury on his last play, after being tackled by defensive tackle Jay Tufele. Love participated in two game series. Although he didn’t seem to be limited in Monday’s practice, he had to use his right hand (the throwing one) for passes instead of his left. Gutekunst added that Love will be ready for Week 1 against the Detroit Lions on September 7. The Packers have a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts on Thursday before Saturday’s preseason game. The initial plan was for Love and some starters to practice, but not play in the game against the Colts, and then participate in the final preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks on August 23. Gutekunst indicated that Love was expected to meet with the team on Wednesday in Indianapolis. While an injury to Love’s non-dominant hand shouldn’t affect the Packers’ passing game, coach Matt LaFleur expressed other concerns about how it could affect his quarterback. This is the second consecutive time that Love has been affected by an injury. Last season, he suffered a medial collateral ligament (MCL) sprain in the opening game of the regular season and missed the following two games. Malik Willis is expected to take snaps again as the starting quarterback while Love is out. The Packers also have Sean Clifford and rookie Taylor Elgersma at the quarterback position. In his three seasons as a starter, Love has participated in at least some preseason games each year. Last year, he only played one series in the first preseason game.The best option for him to recover as quickly as possible and feel better was to undergo surgery.
Brian Gutekunst, Packers General Manager
