Packers' Jordan Love expects to return in time for key NFC matchup, per insider

After securing a 16-10 win over the Indianapolis Colts, the Green Bay Packers will continue to take a cautious approach with their franchise quarterback, Jordan Love.

NFL insider Ian Rapoport reported on Sunday that Love expects to be back on the field by Week 5, just in time for the Packers’ road contest against the Los Angeles Rams. Love strained his MCL in Week 1 in Green Bay’s season-opening loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. He was 17-of-34 passing in that game, throwing two touchdowns and one pick before going down.

“The injury is not quite as bad as they originally thought,” Rapoport said. “If he only misses three games, this would be an excellent, excellent outcome for the Green Bay Packers.”

There was some hope that Love would be able to go against the Colts, according to Packers reporter Rob Demovsky. “I was told Jordan Love was really close to playing, and that was not some charade,” Demovsky told ESPN Radio in Milwaukee on Monday. Instead, head coach Matt LaFleur went with backup Malik Willis, who made the fourth start of his young career.

Willis played solid football against Indianapolis, completing 12 of his 14 pass attempts for 122 yards and the first passing touchdown of his career, without taking a sack or committing a turnover. He posted a QBR of 82.4 and a 126.8 passer rating, second only to Kyler Murray of the Arizona Cardinals.

The Packers hope he can stay near that level over the next two weeks as they face the Tennessee Titans (0-2) on the road in Week 3 and host the division-rival Minnesota Vikings (1-1) in Week 4.

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