Syndication: The Post-Crescent

Packers' Jordan Love getting back to full strength with Rams up next

Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love gladly sported a green home jersey instead of a red no-contact one at practice last week. After missing two games with a knee injury sustained late in Week 1, Love welcomed everything associated with being under center, including the physicality. "That was the big test going into the game, how I respond to getting hit," Love said. "So, it definitely gives me more confidence. I know going into the game that it's football. I'm going to get hit at some point." After nearly rallying from an early, four-score deficit against the Minnesota Vikings, Love and the Packers will try to climb above .500 when they visit the banged-up Los Angeles Rams on Sunday in Inglewood, Calif. Los Angeles (1-3) remains without top wide receivers Cooper Kupp (ankle) and Puka Nacua (knee). The Rams entered the red zone four times in their Week 4 visit to Chicago but had just one touchdown to show for it in a 24-18 loss to the Bears. Still, Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford, who was 20-for-29 passing for 224 yards and an interception, bolstered his connection with receiver Jordan Whittington, who had a team-high six receptions for 62 yards. "He's obviously done a really nice job stepping in with his opportunities," Stafford said of Whittington. "Done a really nice job catching and running the last couple weeks. ... You go out there and earn it, you know. You earn those opportunities, you earn the trust, you earn all that. And he's come in with the right attitude since Day 1 and it's showing." As the passing game adjusts, Kyren Williams continues to be a stabilizing presence in the backfield. Williams ran 19 times for 94 yards and a touchdown against Chicago. He has scored at least one TD on the ground in seven straight games dating back to last season. Green Bay (2-2) fell behind 28-0 in the second quarter versus the Vikings. The Packers lost 31-29, though, as Love overcame struggles with accuracy and heavy blitzing from Minnesota to pass for a career-best 389 yards. Love also had a career-high 54 passing attempts, completing 32, to go along with four touchdowns and three interceptions. "It looks like he's just getting back in the groove," Packers coach Matt LaFleur said of Love. "Like I mentioned the other day, not that we want to throw 50-some odd times in a game, but I thought the more we threw, the better he got." The Packers likely will be without receiver Christian Watson, who left the Minnesota game with an ankle injury but won't be placed on injured reserve. Watson did not practice on Wednesday. Other non-participants included cornerback Jaire Alexander (groin), defensive lineman Kenny Clark (toe), guard/tackle Elgton Jenkins (knee) and tight end Luke Musgrave (ankle). Because of his knee, Love was among those limited. Kupp was the only Ram who didn't practice. Fellow receiver Demarcus Robinson is working through a hip injury and was limited along with defensive end Larrell Murchison (forearm) and cornerback Darious Williams (hamstring). The Packers have won eight of their past nine regular-season games against Los Angeles. --Field Level Media