How long is Jordan Love out? Sprained MCL recovery timeline, return date, latest updates for Packers QB

The Packers' Week 1 loss to the Eagles was made worse when franchise QB Jordan Love suffered an injury during the game's final moments.

As Green Bay looked to pull off a game-winning drive, Love went down with a lower-leg injury while being hit. Love appeared to be in pain and needed assistance from the training staff as he hobbled off the field.

While Love seems to have avoided a season-ending injury, he will miss some time while he is sidelined.

How much time will Love miss? Here is the latest on his injury and what it means for the Packers moving forward.

MORE: Updated look at Green Bay's QB depth chart behind Jordan Love

What is Jordan Love's injury?

Love's injury is a sprained MCL in his left knee. The injury is between a Grade 1 and Grade 2 sprain, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport .

As defined by the Cleveland Clinic , a Grade 1 MCL sprain is a "mild tear in which less than 10% of fibers in your ligament are torn and your knee is still stable," while a Grade 2 MCL sprain is "a moderate tear in which your MCL is partially torn — usually the superficial part of your MCL."

Green Bay's signal-caller suffered the injury as he attempted to get the ball out of his hands late in the fourth quarter of a five-point loss. Love's knee appeared to buckle as he crumbled to the ground from the contact.

The nature of the hit caused the Packers and their fans to fear the worst. While not ideal, Love's injury being an MCL sprain rather than a significant tear of another knee ligament gives the team a much more positive outlook as the season continues.

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How long is Jordan Love out?

Love is expected to miss three to six weeks, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.

After facing the Eagles in Brazil, the Packers return home to host the Colts on Sept. 5. Based on the given timeline, Love's earliest return would come when the Packers visit the Rams in Week 5. A longer recovery timeline would see Love return around Week 8 against the Jaguars.

Ultimately, the time Love misses is dependent on how he responds to rehab.

On Sunday, September 8, Ian Rapoport reiterated that Love had been diagnosed with a Grade 1/2 MCL sprain and should only be sidelined for a few weeks. Until he returns, Malik Willis is expected to start.

Green Bay Packers schedule 2024

Over the next six weeks, the Packers will face the Colts, Titans, Vikings, Rams, Cardinals and Texans. Four of Green Bay's next six games are at home. The team's bye week comes in Week 10.