After a controversial decision by Packers Head Coach Matt LaFleur to start Jordan Love against the Jets in the preseason opener Saturday, the worst-case scenario has come true. Love sustained an injury to his non-throwing hand thumb which will require surgery, but early reports suggest he will be ready for Week 1.

Green Bay is no stranger to being without their franchise quarterback, as Malik Willis started in place of Love after he went down with a knee injury in Week 1 of the 2024-25 season. Willis led the Packers to victory in both games.

Love isn’t the only Packer who will miss key preseason time. The injury list includes WR Jayden Reed (foot), All-Pro S Xavier McKinney (calf), CB Nate Hobbs (knee), and WR Dontayvion Wicks (calf).

WR Romeo Doubs also went down in yesterday’s practice and was examined by trainers, but was able to walk off under his own power.

Some positive news came today when GM Brian Gutekunst announced WR Christian Watson, who tore his ACL last season, will start this year on the PUP (Physically Unable to Perform) list. He is on track to start practicing following clearance in Week 4, ideally making him game-ready by midseason when temperatures begin to drop at Lambeau.

As the second preseason game approaches, Green Bay is looking to shake the injury bug and clean up miscues from last week’s matchup with the Jets. A strong force will be the continued development of LB Edgerrin Cooper, who had an explosive day finishing with an interception of Malik Willis, a blown up screenplay to Emanuel Wilson and a sack of fourth-string QB Taylor Elgersma. 

Tomorrow is an off day for the Packers before the Indianapolis Colts venture to town for a joint practice Thursday and preseason game Saturday.